Business Development Manager

Reporting to: Brand Manager, Thunderbrook / Pavo

Reference: R9392

The Business Development Manager / Feed Advisor is responsible for driving the commercial growth of Thunderbrook Horse Feeds across the UK retail, wholesale, and e commerce network. The role combines business development (primary focus) with nutritional advisory and education (secondary focus), reflecting Thunderbrook Horse Feeds’ distinctive position as a natural, whole food equine nutrition brand within the Pavo and ForFarmers Group.

The postholder will play a key role in expanding Thunderbrook Horse Feeds’ physical availability, strengthening relationships with trade partners, supporting new product introductions, and helping to build the foundations of the Moved by Nature (MBN) stockist network.

This is a field based role requiring regular travel, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to act as a credible ambassador for Thunderbrook Horse Feeds’ ethos and values.

Business Development

• Manage and grow relationships with wholesalers, retailers, and e commerce partners.
• Expand Thunderbrook Horse Feeds’ retail footprint and identify new trade channels.
• Negotiate listings, facings, pricing, and promotional activity.
• Support the launch of new Thunderbrook Horse Feeds and Thunderbrook Pavo products.
• Drive in store visibility, merchandising, and promotional execution.
• Contribute to the development of the Moved by Nature (MBN) stockist network.
• Ensure consistent and accurate brand representation across all trade partners.

Feed Advisory & Education 

• Deliver tailored nutritional advice to retail staff and consumers in store.
• Provide product training and education to trade partners.
• Represent Thunderbrook Horse Feeds at shows, open days, yard visits, and sponsorship events.
• Support the development of educational content and retailer resources.
• Act as a visible ambassador for Thunderbrook Horse Feeds’ natural, whole food philosophy.

Market Engagement & Insight

• Monitor market developments, competitor activity, and emerging trends.
• Gather and share insights with the internal team to support commercial planning.
• Identify opportunities for new listings, product introductions, and category growth.
• Support the execution of marketing campaigns at retail and wholesale level.

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate CRM records and visit reports.
• Monitor budgets and contribute to sales forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes and brand guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with the Brand Manager, Team Thunderbrook, and the wider Pavo team.
   

Essential

• Minimum three years’ experience in field sales, account management, or territory development.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Strong understanding of the rural economy, agricultural retail, or countryside consumer markets.
• Proven ability to proactively win business, take orders, and grow accounts.
• Demonstrated success working independently in a field based role.
• Experience managing relationships with retailers, wholesalers, or trade partners.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and execute a structured sales plan without close supervision.

Desirable

• Experience in the equestrian, agricultural, pet, or country lifestyle sectors.
• Understanding of equine care and feeding practices (formal nutrition training not required).
• Experience delivering product training or customer education.
• Background in premium or specialist brands.

• Commercially driven.
• Self starting and reliable.
• Sector savvy.
• Strong communication skills.
• Committed to doing things properly, ethically, and transparently.
• Takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the sector.
   

We value diversity in our workplace and welcome enquiries from all backgrounds.

Candidates requiring sponsorship can assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by reviewing the relevant criteria on the Gov.UK website.

Please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process.

We encourage early applications, as closing dates may vary.

For informal enquiries, please contact:
Rob Krabbenborg, Brand Manager, Thunderbrook Horse Feeds / Pavo
Tel: +31 651330324