Business Development Executive
Business Development Executive - Laboratory Services
Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 + Quarterly Commission + Car Allowance
Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist analytical laboratory, recognised as a market leader in their niche testing services across the UK and internationally. Operating across multiple UK sites, they serve clients across environmental, occupational, food/feed and industrial sectors.
Following a period of restructuring within their commercial team, they are now recruiting for a Business Development Executive to support their laboratory operations, working as part of a small, close-knit sales teams. This role is specifically designed for someone with a laboratory or scientific background who is ready to take their first step, or next step, into a technical sales career. You’ll be given support, guidance, and the tools to develop into a confident sales professional, with a path towards a more senior commercial role.
If you come from a contract laboratory background and have always been curious about the commercial side of science, this is your opportunity to make the move!
About the role
Learning the full sales cycle from the first contact through to close, with support and mentoring from a senior BDM, you’ll build your skills and confidence progressively before working towards your own quarterly targets.
Conducting research to build and develop a pipeline of prospective clients across multiple sectors.
Reaching out with calls, emails and in person networking events to identify and connect with key decision makers and discuss their requirements.
Understanding client needs and promoting specialist analytical testing services to new and existing clients, with support from technical colleagues for complex enquiries.
Collaborating with the wider sales team and laboratory operations to ensure seamless client experience.
Managing a portfolio of existing accounts through regular quarterly touchpoints, ensuring client retention and identifying upsell opportunities
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities using CRM systems (Salesforce) and internal tools.
Occasional UK and international travel as required to attend client meetings, industry events, and trade shows.
About you
Background working in a laboratory environment – experience in environmental or occupational hygiene testing or a similar sector is strongly preferred.
A genuine interest in developing a career in technical sales, either as your first move from the lab or with some early stage commercial exposure.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills – comfortable engaging with technical professionals and building relationships over time.
A consultative and methodical approach – you don’t need to be a high-pressure closer but, you do need to be persistent, organised and motivated.
Comfortable managing your own workload and priorities in a hybrid working environment.
Experienced in Microsoft office, CRM experience is a bonus but, not essential.
Any exposure to customer facing, account management, or technical support role within a scientific setting is desirable but, not essential.
What’s great about this role?
Full training and support provided to help transition into a first end to end sales role.
Work for a genuine market leader in specialist analytical testing who is well known and respected in their sector.
Hybrid working with real flexibility: 3 days in the Manchester office per week, no rigid KPIs around client visits.
Competitive base salary up to £45,000 with a quarterly commission structure and car allowance.
Backed by a larger group, providing stability and investment.
A less corporate, more impact-driven culture – you’ll have real influence on the growth of the business, not just be a number on a spreadsheet.
If you have a laboratory background and are ready to make your move into technical sales, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out directly for a confidential conversation about the role.