Role: Business Development Manager
Work Setting: Hybrid (Travel expected)
Coverage: England
About the company:
A leading European laboratory group providing accredited analytical testing and quality assurance services across the food, water, feed, and pharmaceutical sectors. The organisation operates a network of specialised laboratories offering comprehensive microbiological, chemical, and molecular analyses to ensure product safety, compliance, and authenticity.
With several hundred employees and a broad customer base across the UK and continental Europe, the company combines advanced scientific expertise with modern laboratory technologies. Its services support clients in meeting regulatory standards, protecting consumer health, and maintaining product integrity. The group continues to expand its footprint through innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships, positioning itself as a trusted partner to manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain organisations in regulated industries.
Purpose of the Role:
The purpose of the Business Development Manager is to support the growth plans of the group by generating new sales revenues, to actively seek out new sales prospects and convert them into customers, whilst pro-actively selling and marketing the company's services during all communication and interactions with the public.
Key Responsibilities:
* Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities across relevant markets.
* Achieve or exceed annual sales and revenue targets.
* Conduct outbound sales activities including cold calling, emailing, and face-to-face meetings.
* Represent the company at industry exhibitions, conferences, and networking events.
* Manage the full sales process from initial contact to customer onboarding.
* Prepare and deliver quotations, proposals, and promotional materials.
* Attend sales meetings (in person and virtual) and provide monthly reports on prospects, pipeline, and sales performance.
* Collaborate with customer service teams to ensure a seamless transition from sale to ongoing account management.
* Oversee new client accounts for the first 30 days, where required.
* Support marketing campaigns and business development initiatives.
* Undertake any additional tasks necessary for the smooth running of the department.
Requirements
* 2-5 years of experience in client facing sales roles, ideally within the food, water, feed or pharmaceutical testing sectors.
* Proven track record in business development or sales, ideally within laboratory testing, scientific services, or other technical B2B environments.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, develop, and close new business opportunities.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
* Comfortable managing the full sales cycle — from lead generation to onboarding.
* Highly self-motivated and target-driven, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a wider team.
* Confident engaging with customers at all levels, from operational staff to senior executives.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or similar).
* Willingness to travel frequently across England, with occasional overnight stays and potential international trips.
* Valid UK driving licence.
* Knowledge of food, water, feed, or pharmaceutical testing sectors.