Location: Hybrid c. twice per month in Manchester office requirement
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 + 30% OTE + Car Allowance
Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist analytical laboratory, recognised as a market leader in their niche testing services across the UK and internationally. Operating across multiple UK sites, they serve clients across environmental, occupational, food/feed and industrial sectors.
They are currently looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to contribute to the commercial growth of their specialist laboratory division. This is a strategic, high-autonomy role at the heart of a small and agile sales team, with direct responsibility for new business generation, key account oversight, and market expansion both domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving an ambitious growth target and building out a sustainable commercial pipeline.
If you are a commercially driven sales professional from the environmental testing, analytical services, or broader scientific sector and you re looking for a role where you ll make a real, visible impact with performance measured on end results and not chasing of KPIs this is worth a conversation.
About the role
Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities across UK and international markets, with a primary focus on cold sales and new client acquisition.
Developing and executing a business development strategy aligned to the division's growth ambitions across environmental, food & feed, occupational hygiene, and industrial sectors.
Managing and growing relationships with key accounts, with quarterly catch ups and identifying opportunities to introduce new or expanded services.
Leading on the preparation and delivery of compelling commercial proposals and presentations to prospective clients.
Overseeing market intelligence; monitoring sector trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities in specialist testing markets.
Collaborating with laboratory operations and technical teams to ensure a seamless client journey from proposal to delivery.
Reporting on pipeline, activity, and revenue performance, contributing to commercial planning and growth strategy.
Occasional UK and international travel as required to attend client meetings, industry events, and trade shows.
About you
A demonstrable track record in business development or technical sales within the environmental testing, analytical laboratory, or closely aligned scientific services sector.
Strong new business instinct; comfortable with cold sales, pipeline development from scratch, and managing a full sales cycle.
Commercial acumen and the ability to negotiate and close complex, high-value contracts.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, confident engaging with technical specialists and senior decision-makers alike.
Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy, managing your own priorities within a small commercial team.
Experience using CRM systems (Salesforce experience advantageous) alongside maintaining accurate pipeline records.
Experience managing international client relationships or working with overseas markets would be desirable but, not essential.
Degree-level education in a scientific, business, or related discipline.
What s great about this role?
A high-autonomy, senior commercial role in a genuine market leader, with real influence on the direction and growth of the business.
Competitive package up to £70,000 base with 30% OTE on top commission paid quarterly and a car allowance.
Flexible hybrid working, typically two visits to the Manchester office per month.
Backed by a major European group providing financial stability and growth investment.
A culture that values impact over process - less corporate, more entrepreneurial. This is a role for someone who wants to own outcomes.
Opportunity to develop and shape the commercial strategy across a growing division.
If you re an experienced Business Development Manager from the analytical or environmental testing sector and you re looking for a role with genuine commercial impact, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.