Job Description
Senior Sales & Business Development Executive
📍 Runcorn, UK | 💼 Full-time | 💷 £40,000 – £50,000 depending on experience
About the Company
A well-established UK-based manufacturer and exporter of specialist organic and fine chemicals is seeking a driven and commercially minded Senior Sales & Business Development Executive. With a strong heritage in complex synthesis—particularly in fluorinated and high-pressure chemistry—this company supplies critical intermediates and custom materials to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, electronics, and agrochemical businesses.
They offer both a comprehensive product catalogue and bespoke manufacturing capabilities, servicing a global client base that includes biotech firms, CROs, academic institutions, and advanced manufacturing companies.
The Role
This is a strategic, customer-facing role for a commercially astute individual with technical expertise and the ambition to grow into a more senior commercial position. The successful candidate will begin with a strong emphasis on technical sales and account management and gradually move into a more expansive business development remit, identifying and nurturing new commercial opportunities.
The initial 3–6 months will be spent on-site at the company’s Runcorn facility to develop product and process knowledge. Following this, a hybrid work pattern (c. 3 days on site per week) will be introduced, balancing office presence with client-facing activity across the UK and Europe.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage and grow an existing portfolio of chemical customers across target sectors
* Handle inbound technical enquiries and prepare tailored quotations
* Identify and pursue new business opportunities across pharma, electronics, and agricultural markets
* Collaborate with internal technical, production, and logistics teams to deliver on client needs
* Maintain accurate and timely communication with customers regarding lead times, production status, and pricing
* Represent the business at industry events, exhibitions, and client meetings
* Support marketing efforts, including the development of targeted sales collateral
* Contribute to cross-functional initiatives aimed at enhancing the commercial strategy
What We’re Looking For
* Degree-qualified in Chemistry (minimum BSc)
* 2+ years of experience in a technical sales, account management, or business development role in the chemical industry
* Exposure to selling fine chemicals into the pharmaceutical, agricultural, or electronic materials sectors is strongly preferred
* Confident communicator with strong commercial instincts and a consultative approach
* Comfortable managing customer relationships and complex technical discussions
* Able to travel across the UK and Europe without restriction
* Proficient with Microsoft Office; experience using SAP is advantageous
* Fluency in English required; additional European language skills a bonus
* UK driving licence desirable
Salary & Benefits
* £40,000 – £50,000 depending on experience
* Hybrid working after initial onboarding period
* Performance-based bonus
* Opportunities for progression in a growing international business
If you’re looking to join a technically progressive company with global reach—and you have the scientific and commercial grounding to drive growth—this could be a highly rewarding opportunity.