Business Manager
Restrain is an internationally recognised Agritech business that has been supplying farmers and growers in the fresh produce industry with an alternative to chemical applications in storage for over 20 years. The business has recently improved its internal structure to allow for a more tailored sales approach in each sales region and as such is now looking for a Business Manager to drive the UK business. Restrain was established in 2003. Having successfully identified a new and less harmful method for suppressing sprouting in potatoes whilst in storage, the business set out to make this available to growers, initially in the UK, but subsequently internationally. The technology utilises ethylene gas which, as a naturally occurring gas, leaves no chemical residue on the crops it is used on. In light of the EU ban on CIPC (chemical sprout inhibitors) Restrain has been perfectly placed to capitalise, offering a safe and cost-effective solution to the potentially harmful alternative. Today, Restrain has registrations in several crops and additionally the technology acting as growth regulator is also used in seed potatoes to increase marketable yield. As such, the business is on course to deliver 3x growth over the next 5 years with additional international expansion to run alongside this.
- Location: Salaried
Main Responsibilities:
Restrain is looking for an experienced Business Manager to lead its team in the UK. This is a relatively new structure for the business and is aimed at giving the in-country teams greater control over their delivery of the company strategy. The UK Business Manager will be responsible for the sales team (as well as managing their own customers), operational planning and investments. These responsibilities will adapt and develop as the UK growth plans are realised. With a direct line into the Managing Director, this role will have the capability to react quickly to customer requirements, but will also have strategic support for medium to long term growth plans. This position has multiple routes for development, depending on the desires and capabilities of the selected candidate as well as the opportunities generated through Restrain’s growth.
Key Attributes:
The successful applicant will have a proven track record in an agricultural sales / business development environment in the UK. Understanding of the market mechanism is crucial and the ability to engage with growers / farmers is just as important as interacting with upstream and downstream decision-makers within the potatoes sector. The role is home-based, but you will be required to travel within the UK as needed for the role as well as to our office in Breda, Netherlands. Whilst location is flexible, if you were based in the East Midlands area, this would be an advantage. You don’t need to have proven General Management experience to be successful in this role, but you will need to recognise the opportunity and be willing to learn and adapt quickly. Restrain is committed to growing the UK (and the broader business) so you will have comprehensive commercial, technical and marketing support.