Job Description

Are You Ready to Make an Impact at RSSL? 
 

Join Our Mission to Transform Lives Through Science, Innovation and Collaboration 
 

At Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), we lead the way in scientific analysis, research, consultancy, and training. We provide services to the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, as well as our parent company, Mondelez International.

We are not just dedicated to delivering world-class scientific solutions and outstanding customer service, we are recognised for it.  We were named Best Performing Professional Services Company of the Year (2025) at the One Nucleus Awards and CRO of the Year at the OBN awards.  We were also finalists for multiple recent multiple awards recognising our commitment to skills and rising talent.

If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a real impact, RSSL is the place for you! 

Purpose:

In this role as a Business Development Manager – Food & Consumer Goods, you will contribute towards this by being a Business Development Manager, growing the Food & Consumer Goods business to meet RSSL’s financial targets, developing customer management strategies to achieve the sales growth and leading high value tactical opportunities as required.  This role is ‘hands on’ interfacing between Commercial, Operations and the Customer.   

The role will also provide support to wider Commercial team activities in order to ensure revenue growth targets are met. The role reports to Senior Group Leader Food & Consumer Goods.

Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:

To hunt for new sales growth opportunities from the Food & Consumer Goods Industry from existing and potential new customers acting as the principal contact between the client and RSSL operations teams in order to achieve sales growth.  

Manage major proposals and tenders, including the co-ordination of responses from technical colleagues, collation and issuing of proposals and any relevant follow-up e.g. presentations and negotiation.   

To lead the development of, and cross sell service offerings to a number of tactical accounts and customers  

Represent RSSL at external events (conferences, exhibitions, seminars, industry meetings) to achieve sales growth.   

Proactively horizon scan and provide market insights regarding future market needs, trends, competitor awareness to the Head of Sales to influence the commercial strategy and subsequent new service opportunities.  Provide support & insights into forecasting sales financials as part of financial planning.   

To contribute to and lead company strategic initiatives and projects as required.   

Actively participate in the promotion of RSSL’s reputation through appropriate Food industry professional bodies/organisations and ensure RSSL experts are considered to be industry leading influencers.   

Assist in activities leading to the development and growth of the RSSL business.   

Review, understand and work to Client legal documents 

To assist the commercial team to ensure that clients are provided with a professional service 

To know the ethical and legal compliance responsibilities of the position; lead ethically and model compliant behaviour; maintain an environment where employees can speak up without fear of retaliation; ensure employees in area of responsibility understand the compliance responsibilities of their jobs and actively participate in the compliance program.  

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements:

Have a proven scientific background with recognised qualifications/ Degree or equivalent qualification. 

Have an understanding of laboratory work and its application to solving customer problems. 

The personality and technical credibility to develop excellent working relationships with both clients and laboratory staff. 

Outgoing proactive approach, energy, drive, enthusiasm and the ability to motivate others. 

Team player, plus ability to work on own initiative 

Excellent inter-personal skills, with the ability to interact effectively by face-to-face, telephone and written communication. Proven communication and negotiation skills.   

An organised approach, capable of working on several projects at any one time. 

The ability to understand and interpret food industry requirements, primarily R&D needs, and translate into business opportunities and new service offerings 

The ability to offer valuable advice and guidance on a broad range of scientific techniques to clients 

The ability to create solutions to complex scientific and business issues 

Intermediate level for MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) 

Full UK Driving Licence 

Fluent in English written and spoken

More about this role

In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business that offers financial rewards and resources, including:

Opportunities to learn and develop

Performance Related Bonus scheme

Contributory pension (between 8% to 11% employer contribution)

Life assurance

Private Medical (Self)

27 days holiday allowance (possibility to buy 5 extra days) + bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

A flexible benefits programme (Gym discounts, private health insurance, restaurant discounts, etc).

No Relocation support availableBusiness Unit Summary

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge contract research organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food, consumer goods and life science sectors. Whether we are creating new products, validating medicines or solving investigations, we take pride in being a leader in our field, serving clients from across 70 countries. Enriched by our parent company, Mondelēz International, our team are committed to transforming lives through science, innovation and collaboration.

Curious about us and want to learn more?

Please explore:  Website   YouTube   LinkedIn   Glassdoor

RSSL is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

#RSSL

Job Type

Regular

Account Management

Sales