Business Development Lead – FMCG & Pet Food

About the role

Addiction Pet Foods New Zealand is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Lead to expand its presence within the veterinary channel across the country. This strategic, field‑based role focuses on building long‑term partnerships with veterinary clinics, driving market penetration, and supporting the national launch of the exclusive Health Benefits pet food range.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, prospect and develop new veterinary clinic customers nationwide.
• Build and maintain long‑term relationships with veterinary professionals, clinic decision‑makers and specialist channel customers.
• Present the Health Benefits range, clearly communicating its value proposition.
• Manage a long sales cycle with regular follow‑up, multiple touchpoints and relationship building.
• Create and execute territory plans to support market penetration and sales growth.
• Maintain regular contact with existing specialist channel customers and support ongoing account development.
• Gather customer, competitor and market insights to inform channel strategy.
• Collaborate with internal teams including sales, marketing, product, supply chain and management.
• Represent the company professionally during visits, trade activities, events and veterinary‑related engagements.
• Provide clear reporting on territory activity, opportunities, risks and sales progress.

Required profile

• Resilient, organised and commercially focused with the ability to work independently.
• Proven experience in business development, territory management, field sales or key account development.
• Strong customer development experience, especially in long‑lead conversion environments.
• Experience selling into veterinary clinics, specialist pet channels, FMCG, pet food or related industries.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with professional customers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and follow‑up skills.

Required skills