Business Development Manager

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to drive Sales growth within our Paper business and supporting key growth opportunities for our Colourform business. You will have responsibility for a selected group of strategic brand owner accounts and targets, and lead on developing the sales of Creative Paper and Colourform solutions for luxury packaging applications. As well as managing existing converter and brand accounts as required, you will help to develop the James Cropper value proposition, and coordinate new international projects with colleagues.

Who are we?

We are a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers. Our vision is to be the best bespoke paper mill in the world, recognised for our unrivalled expertise in colour and leading innovation in sustainable fibre. Colourform is our newest business and produces a thermoformed, plastic-free, moulded fibre packaging innovation.

Why are we looking for you?


This is a highly important strategic role for our paper business, which will be at the forefront of our vision for the company in coming years.

Who are we looking for?

We expect the successful applicant to be educated to degree level or equivalent, and have significant experience in sales development in packaging applications (board, glass, pumps..), or in speciality papers. You should poses significant knowledge of international business and contracts.

What skills and experience do you need to bring with you?

You should have strong organisational skills to manage key priorities and have strong influencing skills – both internally and externally. The ability to analyse data and present compelling fact-based arguments for action is critical and presentation and communication skills are key for the role.

What can we offer you?

Our business is built on 175 years of heritage, but we aren’t standing still. Our strong values of developing our people and our unique culture mean that you can develop here in ways that you never thought possible, if you have the right attitude. We are a family owned PLC and we love working with people who can really buy into our culture and become part of our story.

Why James Cropper Paper?

James Cropper is a specialist paper manufacturer in north-west England. The company has developed a strong range of technical capabilities, making it a global player in high quality coloured and bookbinding papers, niche digital solutions, luxury packaging and offering unique bespoke materials. A business of around £75m, it has important market shares in the USA, China, the Far East, Europe and the UK.