Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Role: Business Development Manager

Work Setting: Hybrid (travel expected)

Coverage: Ireland

About the Company: Our client is a leading European laboratory group providing accredited analytical testing and quality assurance services across the food, water, feed, and pharmaceutical sectors. Operating through a network of specialised laboratories, the group offers comprehensive microbiological, chemical, and molecular analyses to ensure product safety, compliance, and authenticity. With several hundred employees and a broad customer base across the UK and continental Europe, the company combines scientific expertise with advanced laboratory technologies. Its services support clients in meeting regulatory standards, protecting consumer health, and maintaining product integrity. The group continues to expand through innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships, positioning itself as a trusted partner to manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain organisations in regulated industries.

Purpose of the Role: The Business Development Manager will support the ongoing growth of the company by generating new business opportunities and securing new sales revenues. The role involves proactively identifying and converting new prospects into customers, while promoting the company\’s services through professional, consultative selling and effective relationship building across all customer touchpoints.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities across relevant markets (food, water, feed, or pharmaceutical testing).
• Achieve or exceed annual sales and revenue targets.
• Conduct outbound sales activities including cold calling, emailing, and face‑to‑face meetings.
• Represent the company at industry exhibitions, conferences, and networking events.
• Manage the full sales process from initial contact through to customer onboarding.
• Prepare and deliver quotations, proposals, and promotional materials.
• Ensure all new customers have signed relevant contractual agreements.
• Attend regular sales meetings (in person and virtual) and provide monthly reports on prospects, pipeline, and sales performance.
• Collaborate with customer service teams to ensure a smooth handover from sales to account management.
• Oversee new client accounts for the first 30 days following contract start, where required.
• Support marketing campaigns and wider business development initiatives.
• Adhere to Health C Safety procedures and company policies, ensuring the economical use of resources.
• Undertake any additional duties as required to support the smooth running of the department.

Requirements

• 2–5 years’ experience in client‑facing sales or business development roles, ideally within the food, water, feed, or pharmaceutical testing sectors.
• Proven track record in business development or technical sales, ideally within laboratory testing, analytical, or scientific service environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, develop, and close new business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Confident managing the entire sales cycle/end‑to‑end sales process (from lead generation to onboarding).
• Highly self‑motivated, target‑driven, and able to work independently and collaboratively as part of the wider UK commercial team.
• Comfortable engaging with customers at all levels, from technical staff to senior executives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce or similar).
• Willingness to travel extensively across Ireland, with occasional overnight stays and potential international trips.
• Valid UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of core markets (food, water, feed, or pharmaceutical testing).

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Sales, Business Development, and Research