At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the global pharmaceutical sales strategy while winning major projects.
- Company: Join Briggs of Burton, a historic leader in process engineering with a focus on life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, extensive travel opportunities, and the chance to build your own team.
- Other info: This role offers significant career advancement and the chance to influence global strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving growth in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in pharmaceutical sales and strong technical understanding required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Briggs of Burton at a pivotal point in the growth of its Life Sciences business. We are looking for an exceptional Pharmaceutical Head of Sales to take ownership of the global sales strategy for our pharmaceutical business — initially operating hands-on to win major opportunities, with the opportunity to build and lead a global pharmaceutical sales team as the business develops.
The engineering, manufacturing and international infrastructure is already in place. Now we need the commercial leadership to take it to the next level. This is not simply an opportunity to manage an established sales function. You will help build it, shape it and define how Briggs sells its Life Sciences capability globally.
About Briggs of Burton: Briggs of Burton is a global process engineering business with a heritage dating back to 1732. We design and deliver complex process engineering solutions for customers across food, beverage and life sciences. Our Global Technical Centre and Centre of Excellence in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, brings together engineering, manufacturing, project delivery and commercial expertise. Our Life Sciences capability includes the design and manufacture of sophisticated pharmaceutical process systems, including process engineering solutions, stainless steel tanks, pre-assembled skids, mixing and compounding systems, CIP/SIP systems, pressure vessels, automation and control solutions.
The opportunity: As CLPT Life Sciences – Pharmaceutical Head of Sales, you will own the commercial strategy for growing our pharmaceutical business internationally. You will identify where Briggs can win, develop relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, build the sales pipeline and personally lead major opportunities through to successful close. Initially, this is a hands-on sales leadership role. You will be expected to get close to customers, develop opportunities, attend industry events, lead commercial discussions and close significant projects.
You will have significant influence over:
- The global pharmaceutical sales strategy
- Target markets, customers and territories
- Sales pipeline and forecasting
- Major EPC and process engineering opportunities
- Pharmaceutical industry positioning and market presence
- Recruitment and development of the future sales team
- The longer-term commercial direction of the Life Sciences business
This is a senior, highly visible role with the opportunity to develop into a significant global commercial leadership position within the Group.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own the global pharmaceutical sales strategy
- Develop and execute a strategic sales plan for the global pharmaceutical sector, aligned to Briggs' ambitious Life Sciences growth plans.
- Win major pharmaceutical projects
- Lead complex, high-value sales opportunities from initial engagement through to commercial negotiation and contract close.
- Build the pipeline
- Develop a strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturers' investment plans and identify opportunities for Briggs across existing and new markets.
- Develop strategic customer relationships
- Build trusted relationships with senior technical, engineering, manufacturing, procurement and commercial stakeholders within major pharmaceutical organisations.
- Be hands-on
- In the early stages, you will personally drive business development, customer meetings, presentations, proposals, negotiations and deal closure.
- Build the global team
- As the business develops, you will recruit and lead a global pharmaceutical sales team.
- Work across the Group
- Represent Briggs internationally
What we are looking for:
- We are looking for an experienced pharmaceutical sales leader who understands the technical and commercial realities of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Significant senior sales/business development experience within pharmaceutical process equipment, process engineering or EPC.
- A strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
- Experience selling technically complex process equipment or engineering solutions.
- A proven track record of winning significant capital equipment, process engineering or EPC projects.
- An established network of pharmaceutical industry contacts.
- Strong commercial, negotiation and contract-closing experience.
- The credibility to engage with senior technical, operational and commercial stakeholders.
- A demonstrable record of delivering sales growth.
Why this role: This is a rare opportunity to join a business where the platform for growth is already there. Briggs has established engineering capability, pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise, an international Group structure, existing pharmaceutical customers, and operations across key global markets.
If you are an experienced pharmaceutical sales leader who wants the opportunity to make a genuine impact on a global growth strategy, this could be your next challenge.
Location & Travel: The role is UK-based, with hybrid and fully remote working considered for the right individual. Regular engagement with our Burton-on-Trent Centre of Excellence and pharmaceutical team will be important, particularly as the sales team develops and relationships are established across the business. The role will involve extensive international travel, including customer visits, conferences, exhibitions and Group locations across the USA, Europe, China and Asia Pacific.
The selection process: We have designed the process to give candidates the opportunity to understand both the role and the wider Briggs Group.
Ready to build what's next: If you have the pharmaceutical industry experience, technical credibility, customer network and commercial ambition to build a global sales function, we want to hear from you.
CLPT Life Sciences – Pharmaceutical Head of Sales in Burton upon Trent employer: Briggs of Burton
Briggs of Burton is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape the global pharmaceutical sales function from our Centre of Excellence in Burton-on-Trent. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and strategic thinking, alongside the chance to build a high-performing global sales team. Our established engineering capabilities and international presence ensure that you will have the resources and support needed to make a significant impact in the Life Sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CLPT Life Sciences – Pharmaceutical Head of Sales in Burton upon Trent
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Briggs of Burton. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Briggs of Burton.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Briggs of Burton. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Briggs of Burton is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace CLPT Life Sciences – Pharmaceutical Head of Sales in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Briggs of Burton!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Briggs of Burton that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Briggs of Burton!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Briggs of Burton, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Briggs of Burton
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Briggs of Burton that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Briggs of Burton’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
