Head of New Business

Head of New Business Foodservice Sales TeamLakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.Applications are invited for the above position within our Foodservice Sales team.The Role:Our new Head of New Business will be a dynamic and highly connected individual responsible for driving the commercial growth strategy of Lakeland Dairies while securing high-value contracts within the competitive UK foodservice market. The successful applicant will lead the acquisition of new strategic customers across all channels, with a primary focus on end-user accounts.This key, senior level opportunity demands a proactive, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of identifying, negotiating, and closing significant new business opportunities across various foodservice channels.Operating autonomously our Head of New Business will be a proven hunter with a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, capable of forming and leading a high-performing new business team as our customer portfolio continues to grow. Key responsibilities will include (not limited too):Lead the development and execution of new business strategies across QSR, healthcare, retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels. Personally manage high-value end-user prospects and strategic opportunities, and hand back to relevant account managers once up and running. Build and lead a growing team of New Business Account Executives (NAEs), starting with one direct report. Lead and maintain a dynamic new business pipeline, ensuring visibility and accountability with the relevant account managersTransition new wins into the account management structure for ongoing care. Represent Lakeland Dairies at trade shows, industry events, and customer meetings to build brand awareness and unlock opportunities. Report regularly on pipeline progress, conversion rates, and commercial performance.The person:This senior appointment requires a dynamic "hunter" with a proven track record of identifying, pipelining, and securing substantial new business across diverse foodservice channels. The successful candidate will be well experienced in managing key head office relationships, negotiating high-value terms, and possess an extensive industry network to deliver exceptional results and tangible growth.A master of negotiation, our Head of New Business will have experience in developing detailed, growth strategies, possess strong commercial acumen and have excellent leadership skills with the willingness to build a productive and performance focused team.***The successful applicant will be prepared to travel within the UK, Ireland and internationally as required***If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you. Application Process:To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen Young (glen.young@lakelanddairies.com) by no later than Monday 15th December 2025.Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at recruitmentni@lakelanddairies.com.