Business Development Specialist

Position

• Business development specialist

Department

• Sales / business development

Reports To

• Direct: general manager
• Oversight: chief executive officer

Employment Type

• Full-time

Work Arrangement

• Field-based with office reporting

Job Summary

• The business development specialist is responsible for driving distribution expansion, account placement, and new business development for AlBarakah across priority channels
• The role focuses on opening new accounts, managing onboarding, supporting initial sell-in, and coordinating internally to ensure successful execution
• This position is critical in converting strategy into actual store presence, listings, and revenue, especially for a growing halal FMCG brand

Key Responsibilities

Account Development & Placement

• Identify, prospect, and open new accounts across priority channels:
• Modern trade / key accounts
• General trade / wholesalers
• Special accounts (healthy stores, schools, gyms, corporate)
• HORECA (selected)
• Lead store placement discussions, initial negotiations, and onboarding
• Ensure correct SKU listing, pricing alignment, and basic visibility upon entry

Channel Expansion & Territory Growth

• Build and maintain a channel-specific pipeline of prospective accounts
• Execute account mapping by area, channel, and sales potential
• Support distributor-led expansion where applicable and fill distribution gaps

Sales & Commercial Support

• Support initial sell-in and first orders for newly opened accounts
• Coordinate with internal teams on:
• Pricing
• Promotions
• Sampling or introductory activities
• Assist in achieving volume and revenue targets for new accounts

Relationship & Account Management

• Build strong working relationships with buyers, store owners, and decision-makers
• Act as the primary point of contact during onboarding and early account lifecycle
• Address basic account concerns and escalate issues when necessary

Reporting & Coordination

• Provide regular updates to the general manager and CEO on:
• New accounts opened
• Pipeline status
• Challenges and opportunities
• Maintain accurate account lists, visit reports, and placement trackers
• Coordinate with marketing, sales support, and operations to ensure execution readiness

Brand Representation

• Represent AlBarakah professionally in all trade interactions
• Clearly communicate the brand’s certified real halal positioning and value proposition
• Uphold ethical selling and long-term partnership mindset

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, or related field
• At least 1–3 years experience in sales, business development, or account acquisition
• Proven exposure to FMCG selling, distribution, or trade engagement
• Willing to do field work and account visits

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills
• Account opening and placement mindset (hunter role)
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Organized, results-driven, and accountable
• Able to work independently and report directly to senior management

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in modern trade, general trade, or special accounts
• Familiarity with FMCG pricing, margins, and trade terms
• Experience working with distributors or principals