Jobs › Alfa Laval

Sales Manager, Fermentation & Biopharma

Alfa Laval · Kenosha, WI · $140,000–$160,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a sales team you led. How did you raise its performance?

What they are checking: Whether they have actually developed salespeople, not just carried the numbers themselves.

Tell me about a large deal you closed. What made the difference?

What they are checking: Whether they can name the specific actions that won, not just credit the product or luck.

What would you do

A biotech startup wants to buy but their funding is uncertain. How do you handle the opportunity?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage risk in a young market while still building relationships that pay off later.

A customer is moving from pilot scale to commercial scale. How do you stay involved?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the scale-up journey and position separation equipment early in it.

How would you work with application engineers and service teams to win and keep accounts?

What they are checking: Whether they see sales as a team effort across technical and aftermarket functions.

A competitor offers a much lower price on a separator. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend value through yield, uptime and lifecycle cost instead of matching on price.

About the work

Where do disc stack centrifuges fit in a fermentation or biopharma process?

What they are checking: Whether they understand separation technology well enough to discuss cell harvesting and clarification with process engineers.

What is driving growth in precision fermentation and biopharma in the US right now, and where do you see opportunity?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the market closely enough to point the team at the right customers.

How do you sell capital equipment when the buying decision involves process, quality, procurement and executives?

What they are checking: Whether they can run a complex multi-stakeholder sale over a long cycle.

How do you forecast in a business with long, lumpy capital sales cycles?

What they are checking: Whether they forecast honestly with clear stage criteria rather than optimism.

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The full job description

As published by Alfa Laval.

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: • Lead the 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. At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. 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. #LI-DM1 EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer

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