Job Description

About the opportunity

First Table is on the lookout for a food-loving Business Development Manager based in or around Newcastle to grow our presence in the North East. You'll take ownership of this region, connecting with great restaurants and helping us grow in one of the UK's most dynamic hospitality scenes. This role is a work-from-home position and will require face-to-face interaction with restaurants multiple days per week.

About us

At First Table, our vision is simple: to be

the first place diners go to book a table

.

Proudly established in Queenstown, New Zealand - where our head office is based - we've been leading the charge in the hospitality tech industry for over a decade, with operations spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. The UK is now our fastest-scaling market, having just launched in Scotland, we are doubling down on building a strong presence and connected team across the U.K.

First Table is a dining discovery platform that connects diners to restaurants through their love of food. Through our clever tech, we help restaurants get their night off to a great start and give diners a compelling reason to try somewhere new. It's a win-win-win situation. From early bird offers to last table reservations, we make discovering and booking great dining experiences fast, easy, and rewarding.

Learn more about our story here:

About the role

Join us at a truly exciting time of growth as we expand First Table's presence across the UK. As a Business Development Manager, you'll lead the charge in your region--building relationships with local restaurants, uncovering new opportunities, and bringing our platform to more diners to help restaurants thrive -- it's a win for everyone. This role is tailor-made for individuals who thrive on networking, can take ownership, embrace challenges with open arms, and value the essence of teamwork.

What you'll be doing

Own your region and play a key role in First Table's UK success. Build long-lasting, win-win relationships with restaurants in the great North East. Maintain an in-depth understanding of market trends and competitors, using this knowledge to identify new opportunities. Drive user acquisition and retention strategies. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.

What you'll bring

Proven experience in a similar role such as business development, sales, partnerships or account management. Excellent relationship-building, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Familiarity with the hospitality industry is a massive plus, and your ability to hit the ground running with existing contacts will push you to the top of the queue for this position. You don't need to have done this exact role before, but you should be the kind of person who could convince a foodie to try boiled cabbage-twice! Be a self-starter with a commercial mindset - someone who thrives in an autonomous environment and knows how to spot opportunities (then go after them). A "can do attitude" and the drive to grow with us.

Why you'll love working with us

A full-time role with flexible working hours and the autonomy to manage your own schedule Competitive OTE (base salary + commissions), plus travel allowance, laptop and phone Work from home with regular face-to-face restaurant prospecting Hit the ground running with an existing client base and the freedom to shape and grow your market, guided by achievable KPIs, supportive coaching and shared wins Free First Table bookings as a team perk The opportunity to be part of a passionate and supportive team A great company culture where no day is ever dull - we're a close-knit, food loving team proud to be part of an award-winning global brand

What are the next steps?

Are you ready to take on this exciting challenge as our North East-based BDM? Please submit your application, including your resume and tailored cover letter, via the Apply Now link. Cover letters provide valuable insights for our Hiring Managers, so let us know what excites you and how your experience (even if it's not a perfect match) shows you're ready to own this opportunity. We'll be reviewing and progressing applications as they come in, so don't wait to submit your application.

Things to keep in mind:

Applicants must already be based in North East England, ideally in the Newcastle area to be considered for this role Applicants for this position must have pre-existing rights to work in United Kingdom Only applicants who have been shortlisted will be contacted
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme Commission pay
Benefits:

Employee discount Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Please specify your expected base salary (excluding commission). You're welcome to include an estimate of your total OTE as well.
Experience:

Hospitality: 1 year (preferred) Business Development: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne (preferred)
Work Location: On the road

Application deadline: 10/07/2025
Reference ID: Business Development Manager - North East England
Expected start date: 01/08/2025