Business Development Manager

ALS Limited; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific testing company in the UK seeks a Business Development Manager to enhance client relationships and identify growth opportunities. Candidates should possess a scientific background and excellent communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including annual leave, sick pay, and a pension plan.

Benefits

Competitive package

Annual leave commencing at 25 days

Enhanced company sick pay scheme

Perkbox membership

Group personal pension plan

Qualifications

• Previous experience within the food industry, ideally with a service provider.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and strengthen client relationships.
• Identify and negotiate new testing opportunities.
• Provide technical guidance to clients.

Skills

Confidence in communication

Natural relationship builder

Analytical skills

Negotiation abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Scientific or technical background (e.g. microbiology, chemistry)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data‑driven insights to build a healthier future. As a Business Development Manager, you will be the focal point for all communication between ALS and key client accounts, building lasting relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring every client experiences a positive “ALS Experience”. This strategic, client‑facing role blends technical knowledge with business acumen and offers the chance to directly influence ALS’s continued success.

Hours per week

40

Shift

Monday to Friday

Contract

Full Time and Permanent

The day‑to‑day

You’ll be the driving force behind developing and strengthening client relationships, ensuring ALS is seen as the testing partner of choice. Your work will range from boardroom discussions with commercial and technical teams to collaboration with internal colleagues across Sales, Quality, and Operations.

• Grow ALS’s business across a defined client base in line with company targets.
• Identify, develop, and negotiate new testing opportunities and contracts.
• Build strong, multi‑level relationships with client stakeholders.
• Use data and financial insight to prepare detailed proposals and pricing models.
• Provide technical guidance and support to clients, including use of the ALS Solutions portal.
• Ensure contractual compliance and timely payments.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to uphold ALS’s core values – Safe, Resilient, Curious, Committed, Caring, and Honest.

Regular travel to client sites and ALS UK locations, including occasional overnight stays, will be part of this role.

The Essentials

We’re looking for a confident communicator and natural relationship builder who combines technical understanding with commercial drive. You’ll be self‑motivated, tenacious, and comfortable operating at all levels, from technical discussions to commercial negotiations.

• Previous experience within the food industry, ideally with a service provider, is highly desirable.
• A scientific or technical background preferred (e.g. microbiology, chemistry, or related discipline).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook.
• The ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• A proactive, collaborative, and resilient approach to achieving results.

Our Benefits Include

• Competitive package
• Annual Leave commencing at 25 days (rising to 30) plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part‑time)
• Ability to Buy annual leave
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Celebrating Success Recognition Awards
• Perkbox membership providing access to discount vouchers and wellness hub
• Group Personal Pension Plan

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, shaping how we work, how we treat each other, and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programmes and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country you are applying for, or hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to Apply

Please apply online and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.