Sales Manager, Fermentation & Biopharma

Alfa Laval; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

Alfa Laval USA is seeking a Sales Manager, Fermentation & Biopharma to lead a high-performing field sales team across the US. You will develop and execute strategies to unlock new market potential in fermentation and biopharma, ensuring exceptional customer experiences while driving sustainable growth.

You will coach direct reports, manage complex technical sales, and collaborate with Engineering, Supply, and central BU teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in direct sales, business development, and/or account management.
• Experience influencing multiple internal stakeholders in a matrixed org.
• Leadership experience in sales is preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the field sales team and ensure performance against targets.
• Coach direct reports to grow skills in fermentation/biopharma markets.
• Develop and execute sales plans aligning with revenue goals.
• Analyze KPIs and adjust strategies to improve leads and orders.
• Maintain CRM governance and standardized sales processes.
• Handle pricing, contract negotiations, and solution selling.
• Collaborate with Technical Services to enable efficient sales processes.
• Coordinate with central BU on new applications and competitive intelligence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Sales leadership

Pipeline development

Stakeholder management

Complex technical sales

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Engineering

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job

Are you ready to lead the charge in one of the most innovative and rapidly expanding sectors of the life sciences industry? As Sales Manager, Fermentation & Biopharma for Alfa Laval’s Separation Equipment Technologies Business Unit, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fermentation and biopharma in the US. Alfa Laval is a global leader in separation technology, renowned for driving breakthrough solutions that power the next generation of bioprocessing and pharmaceutical advancements.

This is your opportunity to join a world-class organization at the forefront of technological innovation, where your leadership will directly impact the growth and success of our business. You will spearhead a high-performing sales team, develop and execute strategies that unlock new market potential, and deliver best-in-class customer experiences. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, are passionate about making a difference, and want to be part of a company that values ambition, collaboration, and excellence then this role is for you.

Hybrid role with flexibility to be based near Richmond, VA; Greenwood, IN; Houston, TX; or Kenosha, WI. Candidates located near major biotechnology and life sciences hubs, including Boston, Philadelphia, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, are encouraged to apply.

As a part of the team, you will:

• Leadthe field sales team, providing direction and ensure performance aligns with individual and group targets.
• Develop, motivate, and coach direct reports to ensure growth in relevant sales and product/application competencies specific to the fermentation and biopharma markets.
• Develop and execute comprehensive sales plans that align with both short-term revenue targets and long-term market development strategies;
• Develop insight into local market trends, identifying opportunities and competitive threats.
• Review and analyze Key Performance Indicators (Leads, Opportunities, Orders, Margin) on a regular basis against targets, implementing improvements as needed.
• Implement and maintain rigorous commercial discipline through standardized sales processes, CRM governance, and pipeline management protocols.
• Maintain commercial leadership responsibilities such as pricing, contract negotiation, and strategic solution selling
• Ensure alignment with Technical Services teams (including Engineering & Supply), supporting your team to deliver a highly efficient sales process and best-in-class customer experience.
• Act as a liaison with central Business Unit counterparts for new applications, products, and competitive intelligence, exerting influence and support for the US Sales Company.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you know:

You have a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering or related field or equivalent work experience, and:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in direct sales, business development, and/or account management, in a complex technical sales-based environment.
• Track record of success in building a pipeline and generating consistent sales growth in a long sales cycle environment.
• Experience working with and influencing multiple internal stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Prior experience directly leading a sales team preferred.
• Competence in separation technology (mechanical, filtration or evaporation) preferred.
• Experience in supporting the introduction of new products, technologies, or solutions to customers is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, domestic and international

What’s in it for you?

Alfa Laval offers a competitive salary and full benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life, 401(k) plan, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators to determine compensation and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to get it right. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary and will also be dependent on your location. The base salary for this role is typically $140,000 - $160,000.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.