At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow customer accounts in the life sciences sector while driving sales growth.
- Company: Join Appleton Woods, a respected supplier in the life science industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, car allowance, and company benefits.
- Other info: Field-based role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the life sciences field while building strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and experience in sales or account management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive salary dependent on experience + bonus + company benefits + car allowance
Location: Field based - Midlands & North England – Full UK Driving licence essential (We are particularly interested in candidates based around Birmingham and the M62 corridor including Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds)
Full-time, permanent
About Appleton Woods
Appleton Woods are a well-established and highly respected supplier to the life science sector, supporting customers across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research and commercial laboratories throughout the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, technical expertise and long-term customer partnerships across our extensive portfolio of consumables, laboratory equipment, reagents, microscopy and associated laboratory products.
Due to continued growth, we are now looking to recruit an experienced and commercially driven Sales Executive to manage and grow our Midlands & North territory.
The role
This is a field-based, customer-facing sales role focused on developing existing accounts and winning new business across the territory. You will build strong customer relationships, generate sales opportunities and drive growth across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research and wider life science organisations. Working closely with internal teams and product specialists, you will ensure customers receive excellent service and support throughout the sales process. Regular travel across the territory is required, along with periodic attendance at the Birmingham Head Office. Occasional overnight stays may be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and developing existing customer accounts across the assigned territory
- Creating and executing account plans, contact strategies and customer development plans
- Identifying, prospecting and onboarding new customers across the territory
- Achieving agreed territory sales and profit targets, including targets by product category
- Conducting regular face-to-face customer meetings, site visits, demonstrations and product discussions
- Developing a strong understanding of customer needs, purchasing routes and future requirements
- Managing opportunities and customer activity accurately through the CRM system
- Working closely with internal specialists including equipment, microscopy and reagent teams
- Managing sales leads and progressing opportunities through the sales process
- Supporting supplier relationships, joint customer visits, exhibitions and product initiatives
- Representing Appleton Woods professionally at customer meetings, exhibitions and trade events
- Monitoring market activity, competitor activity and customer developments within the territory
- Reporting market intelligence, customer feedback and commercial opportunities
- Supporting pricing discussions, contract renewals and framework opportunities
- Working collaboratively with Customer Service, Internal Sales, Product Specialists and Marketing teams
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
The role will be measured against a combination of sales performance, customer engagement and CRM compliance including:
- Sales Performance
- Achievement of territory sales and profit targets
- Achievement of product category sales targets
- Growth of existing customer accounts
- Acquisition and development of new customers
- Achievement of meaningful customer interaction targets
- Completion of regular face-to-face customer meetings
- Development and execution of account plans
- Proactive pipeline generation and opportunity development
- Accurate and timely management of customer activity and opportunities within CRM
- Compliance with reporting requirements and sales processes
- Maintenance of accurate customer records and forecasting information
About you
- Degree in a life sciences discipline is essential
- Previous experience within a field-based sales, territory management, account management or business development role
- Experience selling into laboratories, academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research or life science organisations would be advantageous
- Strong commercial awareness and relationship-building skills
- Confident communicator with a professional and credible approach
- Self-motivated and able to manage a geographical territory independently
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Comfortable working towards sales targets, KPIs and activity expectations
- Strong attention to detail and accurate CRM usage
- Full UK driving licence required
If you are a proactive and customer-focused sales professional looking to join a growing and respected business within the life science sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now with your updated CV.
Life Sciences Sales Executive in Birmingham employer: Appleton Woods | UK Lab Supplies
Contact Detail:
Appleton Woods | UK Lab Supplies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Life Sciences Sales Executive in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Appleton Woods and their products so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those face-to-face meetings! Think about potential questions they might ask and practice your responses. Show them you’re not just another candidate but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Life Sciences Sales Executive in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Life Sciences Sales Executive role. Highlight relevant experience in sales, especially in life sciences, and showcase your achievements in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the life sciences sector and how your skills align with our needs. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong customer relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or developed new business. We’re all about collaboration and connection at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Appleton Woods | UK Lab Supplies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your life sciences knowledge. Understand the products and services Appleton Woods offers, and be ready to discuss how they fit into the needs of potential customers in academia, biotechnology, and healthcare.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or developed new business in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build relationships and achieve sales targets, as this is crucial for the Life Sciences Sales Executive position.
✨Understand the Territory
Familiarise yourself with the Midlands and North England regions, especially around Birmingham and the M62 corridor. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing and growing customer accounts in these areas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.