At Alfa Laval, 140 years of engineering heritage meets the ambition to pioneer new clean technology markets. Sonihull is our ultrasonic antifouling platform and, having established a strong foundation in the commercial marine sector, we are now actively expanding into adjacent industries where fouling presents significant operational and environmental challenges. This role exists to lead that expansion.
Sonihull has built a solid commercial position in the marine sector, where our ultrasonic antifouling systems are deployed across commercial shipping fleets, protecting propellers, hulls and niche areas, e.g. sea chests.
The next phase of growth lies in adjacent markets. Aquaculture, oil and gas infrastructure, food and pharmaceutical processing, data centres and the broader energy sector all face significant fouling challenges that Sonihull is technically and commercially well positioned to address. Unlocking these opportunities requires dedicated commercial intelligence, fast and disciplined market development, and someone who can operate with equal confidence inside a global organisation and in front of a customer who recognises the problem but is not aware of the solutions available.
About the job
The Business Development Manager will be the driving force behind this adjacent market strategy. This is not an account management role. It is a market creation role, requiring hypothesis formation, rapid validation, structured piloting and the commercial instinct to know when to accelerate and when to move on.
The role sits in Sonihull within PU Growth and Innovations inside the Alfa Laval Ocean Division, working closely with the Sonihull commercial and sales team. It operates across a matrix structure that includes Alfa Laval divisional product and technology teams, regional sales offices and sales companies, and directly with external customers, industry partners and third parties. The ability to navigate all these stakeholders effectively is as important as the ability to generate new commercial opportunity.
The role can be based in the UK, Sweden, India, or relevant locations in the Middle East; however, outstanding candidates may be considered for other locations as well. The reporting manager for this position is based in the UK.
Key responsibilities:
Analyze and develop new market opportunities in adjacent sectors through research, stakeholder engagement, and pilot programs.
Build commercial cases and go-to-market strategies tailored to each industry.
Identify capability gaps and recommend solutions, including partnerships or acquisitions.
Collaborate across internal teams and with external partners to accelerate market entry and credibility.
Develop sales tools and value propositions and provide market insights to inform product and business strategy.
What you know
We believe that you hold a degree in business, engineering, science or a related field. An MBA or commercial postgraduate qualification is an advantage. You also bring several years of experience in business development, market development or commercial strategy, with a clear track record of opening new markets or customer segments rather than managing existing ones.
Fluent English, spoken and written, is essential. Additional languages relevant to target markets are an asset.
Who you are
It is an advantage to have worked within or alongside a matrix organisation across multiple geographies and functions. Familiarity with industrial or capital equipment sales cycles and the dynamics of B2B decision making is important. Experience in marine, offshore, aquaculture or adjacent sectors is a positive but not a prerequisite. Willingness to travel internationally, approximately 30 to 40 percent of working time, is required.
What’s in it for you
Sonihull is at an exciting moment. We have proven technology, a credible installed base in marine, and the backing of a global organisation with the reach, relationships and engineering credibility to move fast in new markets. For the right candidate, this is a rare opportunity to define a commercial strategy and execute it, with real resources and support behind the role.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Bruce, Global Head of Sales, [email protected]
Regina García Moguel, Talent Acquisition Partner, [email protected]
How to apply
Submit your application by uploading your CV to our recruitment system. Please note that, in compliance with GDPR, we cannot accept applications submitted via email.
We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is 31st May 2026; however, the process may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
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Alfa Laval Belfast, Northern Ireland Office
Belfast, United Kingdom
