Sr. Business Development Manager
Skills
About the role
The Opportunity:
Avantor is looking for a commercially astute Business Development Manager (EU) to drive new business growth and 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
#LI-remote
Disclaimer:
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
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