At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead market expansion for innovative ultrasonic antifouling technology across diverse industries.
- Company: Alfa Laval, a pioneer in clean technology with 140 years of engineering heritage.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape commercial strategy with global support and resources.
- Other info: International travel required; dynamic role with significant growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tackling environmental challenges in exciting new markets.
- Qualifications: Degree in business or engineering; experience in business development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Alfa Laval, 140 years of engineering heritage meets the ambition to pioneer new clean technology markets. Sonihull is our ultrasonic antifouling platform and, having established a strong foundation in the commercial marine sector, we are now actively expanding into adjacent industries where fouling presents significant operational and environmental challenges. This role exists to lead that expansion.
Sonihull has built a solid commercial position in the marine sector, where our ultrasonic antifouling systems are deployed across commercial shipping fleets, protecting propellers, hulls and niche areas, e.g. sea chests. The next phase of growth lies in adjacent markets. Aquaculture, oil and gas infrastructure, food and pharmaceutical processing, data centres and the broader energy sector all face significant fouling challenges that Sonihull is technically and commercially well positioned to address. Unlocking these opportunities requires dedicated commercial intelligence, fast and disciplined market development, and someone who can operate with equal confidence inside a global organisation and in front of a customer who recognises the problem but is not aware of the solutions available.
The Business Development Manager will be the driving force behind this adjacent market strategy. This is not an account management role. It is a market creation role, requiring hypothesis formation, rapid validation, structured piloting and the commercial instinct to know when to accelerate and when to move on.
The role sits in Sonihull within PU Growth and Innovations inside the Alfa Laval Ocean Division, working closely with the Sonihull commercial and sales team. It operates across a matrix structure that includes Alfa Laval divisional product and technology teams, regional sales offices and sales companies, and directly with external customers, industry partners and third parties. The ability to navigate all these stakeholders effectively is as important as the ability to generate new commercial opportunity.
The role can be based in the UK, Sweden, India, or relevant locations in the Middle East; however, outstanding candidates may be considered for other locations as well. The reporting manager for this position is based in the UK.
Key responsibilities:- Analyze and develop new market opportunities in adjacent sectors through research, stakeholder engagement, and pilot programs.
- Build commercial cases and go-to-market strategies tailored to each industry.
- Identify capability gaps and recommend solutions, including partnerships or acquisitions.
- Collaborate across internal teams and with external partners to accelerate market entry and credibility.
- Develop sales tools and value propositions and provide market insights to inform product and business strategy.
We believe that you hold a degree in business, engineering, science or a related field. An MBA or commercial postgraduate qualification is an advantage. You also bring several years of experience in business development, market development or commercial strategy, with a clear track record of opening new markets or customer segments rather than managing existing ones. Fluent English, spoken and written, is essential. Additional languages relevant to target markets are an asset.
Who you are:It is an advantage to have worked within or alongside a matrix organisation across multiple geographies and functions. Familiarity with industrial or capital equipment sales cycles and the dynamics of B2B decision making is important. Experience in marine, offshore, aquaculture or adjacent sectors is a positive but not a prerequisite. Willingness to travel internationally, approximately 30 to 40 percent of working time, is required.
What’s in it for you:Sonihull is at an exciting moment. We have proven technology, a credible installed base in marine, and the backing of a global organisation with the reach, relationships and engineering credibility to move fast in new markets. For the right candidate, this is a rare opportunity to define a commercial strategy and execute it, with real resources and support behind the role.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Bruce, Global Head of Sales, mark.bruce@sonihull.com
Regina GarcÃa Moguel, Talent Acquisition Partner, regina.garciamoguel@alfalaval.com
How to apply: Submit your application by uploading your CV to our recruitment system. Please note that, in compliance with GDPR, we cannot accept applications submitted via email. We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is 31st May 2026; however, the process may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
Business Development Manager - Sonihull in Coventry employer: Alfa Laval Spiral
Contact Detail:
Alfa Laval Spiral Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Sonihull in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. When you walk into that interview, we want you to impress them with your knowledge about Sonihull and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Business Development Manager. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of the mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for Sonihull.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Sonihull in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your market development experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to create new opportunities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your background in business development can help Sonihull expand into adjacent markets. Be specific about your strategies and successes!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, demonstrate your ability to analyse and develop new market opportunities. Mention any research you've done on the industries Sonihull is targeting, like aquaculture or oil and gas, to show us you’re proactive and informed.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we can only accept applications through our recruitment system, so make sure to upload your CV there. Don’t wait too long; we review applications on a rolling basis, and we want to see yours as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alfa Laval Spiral
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the adjacent markets Sonihull is targeting. Understand the specific fouling challenges faced by industries like aquaculture and oil and gas. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to analyse and develop new market opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Instinct
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully identified and pursued new market opportunities. Be ready to discuss how you formed hypotheses, validated them, and made decisions on when to accelerate or pivot. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves navigating a matrix organisation, think of ways to illustrate your experience in collaborating with diverse teams and external partners. Prepare to discuss how you’ve built relationships and accelerated market entry in previous roles.
✨Craft Your Value Proposition
Be prepared to articulate how you would develop sales tools and value propositions tailored to different industries. Think about what insights you can bring to inform product and business strategy, and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.