Business Development Representative — Cider Lead Generation & Trade Marketing

bout the Role

We're looking for a driven, resourceful Business Development Representative based in South Africa to generate leads and orders for our cider brand across specific US/Canada regions. This role has two phases: first, establishing an in-store tasting network from the ground up in your assigned regions (no existing tasting group is currently in place); then generating leads and orders through cold calling, follow-up, and coordination of tastings via that network. You'll also support LinkedIn-based lead generation for other business units as needed.

Responsibilities

• Build and establish an in-store tasting network (brand ambassadors, contractors, or local reps) in assigned US/Canada regions — no tasting group currently exists, so this is a foundational, first-phase responsibility

• Generate leads by contacting grocery stores, Licensed Retail Stores (LRS), and licensees to secure cider orders in assigned regions

• Once the tasting network is established, set up and coordinate in-store tastings (grocery stores, licensees, LRS)

• Make cold calls to expand market reach and build brand awareness

• Follow up on outstanding emails and post-tasting leads to convert interest into orders

• Complete administrative and marketing tasks as assigned

• Support lead generation for other business units using LinkedIn and other digital tools, as assigned

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the CRM

Requirements

• Proven previous sales experience, ideally in beverage, FMCG, or retail-facing sales

• Experience recruiting, vetting, or managing remote contractors or brand ambassadors is a strong plus — you'll be building a rep network from scratch, remotely

• Strong LinkedIn lead generation experience

• Fluent English (spoken and written) — daily contact with US/Canada retailers and licensees

• Extroverted, confident communicator — comfortable cold-calling and building rapport remotely

• Tech-savvy: comfortable with CRM systems, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, email, and general online sales tools

• Based in South Africa

• Willing and able to work hours that overlap significantly with US/Canada business hours

• Highly organized and self-directed — this role starts with zero infrastructure and requires building it before the "normal" sales motion kicks in