At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and expand strategic accounts across Europe with innovative sales strategies.
- Company: Avantor, a global leader in life sciences and laboratory services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private medical care, and an extra day off for your birthday.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a better world through science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in life-changing science while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within life sciences and strong consultative selling skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Opportunity: Avantor is looking for a commercially astute Business Development Manager (EU) to drive new business growth and expand strategic accounts across Europe, with a primary focus on selling and positioning VWR Services to both new and existing customers. This role leads the development and execution of complex sales strategies aligned with client and company long-term goals, while shaping the strategic direction and sustained success of key accounts at a regional or global level.
The position requires proactively identifying high-value opportunities for growth, expansion, and cross-selling, positioning the company as a trusted partner. The role also provides thought leadership, contributes to best practices, and collaborates with executive leadership to enhance the overall sales approach, while building strong relationships with senior client stakeholders to influence strategic decisions and drive mutual growth.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide thought leadership and collaborate with executive leadership to enhance sales strategies and go-to-market approaches for VWR Services.
- Shape the strategic direction for VWR Services and long-term success of major accounts across the EU region.
- Identify and pursue high-value opportunities for account growth, expansion, and cross-selling; maintain a strong, accurate pipeline.
- Drive VWR Services business growth by acquiring new customers and expanding service offerings within existing strategic accounts.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers, influencing strategic business outcomes.
- Engage senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor to influence strategic decisions.
- Apply LEAN methodologies to assess client processes and design value-driven solutions.
- Lead RFI/RFQ responses, proposals, and negotiations to secure wins.
- Deliver compelling presentations and business cases to diverse stakeholders.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory requirements (GxP, EHS).
- Initiate and manage implementation projects; support onboarding and training of local teams.
- May direct, mentor, or guide the activities of other team members.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (scientific or business discipline preferred).
- Proven success in business development within life sciences, laboratory, or related industries.
- Strong consultative selling and process improvement (LEAN) experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex sales cycles and deliver revenue growth.
- Project management capability and experience working in matrixed organizations.
- Solid understanding of scientific operations, GxP, and EHS standards.
Key Competencies
- Strategic and commercial acumen.
- Executive communication and influencing skills.
- Relationship building and stakeholder management.
- Analytical thinking and problem solving.
- Negotiation and closing skills.
- Results-driven, proactive mindset.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.
Success Measures
- New business revenue and pipeline growth.
- Account expansion and retention.
- Win rate on strategic opportunities.
- Client satisfaction and project execution effectiveness.
What we offer
- Competitive salary plus bonus.
- Pension scheme.
- Private medical and dental care.
- An extra day off for your birthday.
- Stable, long‑term employment with global operational impact.
Sr. Business Development Manager employer: Avantor
Avantor is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to drive meaningful change in the life sciences sector. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical care, and a commitment to professional development, Avantor provides a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a significant impact on global health outcomes. Join our diverse team and experience the unique opportunity to contribute to life-changing science in a role that values your expertise and strategic vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, especially VWR Services, so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your value proposition clearly. Highlight your experience in business development and how it aligns with Avantor's goals to drive new business growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Sr. Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in business development, especially in life sciences or related industries, and showcase your consultative selling skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey in business development. Use it to explain how your skills align with Avantor's goals and how you can contribute to driving new business growth.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you've driven revenue growth or expanded accounts in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Avantor's services and recent developments in the life sciences sector. Understanding their offerings, especially VWR Services, will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in business development, particularly in complex sales cycles. Highlight how you've driven revenue growth and built strong relationships with senior stakeholders to demonstrate your consultative selling skills.
✨Master the Art of Influence
Since the role involves influencing strategic decisions, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples that showcase your executive communication skills and how you've successfully navigated stakeholder management in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Avantor's strategic direction and how they envision the future of VWR Services. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a proactive candidate who is keen on contributing to their long-term success.
