Senior Business Development Consultant – Travel Retail

Senior Business Development Consultant – Travel Retail Freelance / Independent Consultant | International Markets Food Accademia, a company specialising in the international distribution of premium Italian Food & Beverage brands within the Travel Retail industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Business Development Consultant to accelerate its international commercial expansion. We are looking for a proactive, results-driven professional with solid experience in the Travel Retail sector, an established network of industry contacts and a proven ability to convert business opportunities into successful commercial partnerships.

Key Responsibilities
• Identify, approach and develop new customers across international Travel Retail channels, including Airport Duty Free & Travel Retail, Airlines, Cruise Lines and other travel-related distribution channels.
• Develop and follow up on qualified prospects and commercial opportunities already identified or initiated by Food Accademia.
• Leverage an existing professional network to establish relationships with key buyers, retailers, distributors and decision-makers.
• Present and promote Food Accademia's portfolio of premium Italian Food & Beverage brands to potential customers.
• Manage the commercial development process, from initial contact and product presentation through negotiation and customer acquisition.
• Negotiate commercial terms and business opportunities in coordination with Food Accademia's management.
• Maintain an organised sales pipeline, providing regular updates on opportunities, progress and expected business potential.
• Represent Food Accademia at international trade exhibitions, industry events and customer meetings when required. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate should have:
• Proven commercial experience in the international Travel Retail industry, preferably in business development, international sales or key account management.
• An established network of relevant industry contacts, particularly among Travel Retail retailers, airport operators, airlines, cruise companies and international distributors.
• A successful track record in new customer acquisition and business development.
• Strong commercial negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, commercial initiative and a results-oriented approach.
• The ability to work independently while maintaining close coordination with Food Accademia's management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel internationally and attend relevant industry events. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in the Food & Beverage sector, particularly Confectionery, Fine Food, Wines & Spirits.
• Familiarity with premium brands and international B2B distribution.
• Existing relationships with major international Travel Retail operators and buyers.
• Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French, would be an advantage. Type of Collaboration This opportunity is intended for an independent professional or self-employed consultant, working on a freelance/consultancy basis and able to issue invoices for professional services. The collaboration will focus specifically on new customer acquisition and the development of existing commercial prospects, with agreed target markets, clearly defined objectives and a high degree of operational autonomy. Commercial terms and remuneration will be discussed based on the candidate's experience, professional network and agreed scope of collaboration.