Application Guide
How to Apply for Business Development Manager (Ultra-Pure/Deionized Water)
at Xylem
🏢 About Xylem
Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water technology company with a mission to solve the world's most critical water challenges through innovation and sustainability. With 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of creating advanced solutions for water conservation and reuse, making it an inspiring place for those passionate about environmental impact.
About This Role
As a Business Development Manager for Ultra-Pure/Deionized Water solutions, you will lead sales growth in the UK/Nordics region, focusing on key verticals like Pharma, Power, MicroE, and Industrial filtration. Your work will directly contribute to Xylem's sustainable impact by providing critical water treatment solutions that enable industries to operate efficiently and responsibly.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day typically starts with checking emails and prioritizing leads, then you might hop on a video call with a channel partner in Sweden to discuss a pipeline opportunity. You'll spend time preparing a proposal for a pharmaceutical client, analyzing technical specifications for their ultrapure water system, and later present a business case to the EMEA sales leader. You'll also dedicate time to market research, identifying emerging trends in the microelectronics sector, and follow up with potential customers via phone or LinkedIn.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Xylem Is Looking For
- Proven track record in B2B sales within water filtration and separation, specifically in ultra-pure/deionized water applications.
- Deep understanding of the pharma, power, microelectronics, and industrial water treatment markets, including regulatory and quality standards.
- Experience in developing and executing strategic sales plans through both channel partners and direct sales, with a hunter mentality.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and drive profitable growth.
- Self-motivated and results-driven, comfortable working remotely in a fast-paced, global environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Xylem
Tailor your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements in sales growth, especially within ultra-pure water applications, using metrics like revenue increase, market share gain, or new client acquisition.
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with channel partners and direct sales, and provide examples of how you've navigated complex sales cycles in the pharma or microelectronics sectors.
Research Xylem's sustainability initiatives and reference them in your application to show alignment with their mission of 'advancing sustainable impact.'
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your own schedule, with specific examples of successful remote sales management.
Use the language from the job description (e.g., 'aggressive sales growth plan', 'profitable growth goals') to mirror their expectations and demonstrate you've read the details.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Highlight your specific experience in ultra-pure/deionized water applications and your success in the pharma, power, or microelectronics verticals.', "Showcase your ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans, with concrete examples of how you've driven growth through both direct and channel sales.", "Emphasize your understanding of Xylem's mission and how your personal values align with sustainability and water conservation.", 'Mention your willingness to travel and work remotely, and your ability to build strong relationships with customers and partners across the UK/Nordics region.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Learn about Xylem's key product lines for ultra-pure water treatment, such as their ion exchange, membrane filtration, and UV disinfection technologies.
- → Review Xylem's sustainability report and recent press releases to understand their initiatives and how they position themselves as a leader in water innovation.
- → Research the competitive landscape in the UK/Nordics water treatment market, identifying key competitors and Xylem's differentiators.
- → Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges in the pharma and microelectronics industries regarding water purity standards (e.g., USP, ASTM) to speak knowledgeably.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic sales resume that doesn't highlight your specific experience in water filtration or ultra-pure applications.
- Avoid focusing only on your past achievements without connecting them to how you can drive growth for Xylem in the UK/Nordics region.
- Don't underestimate the importance of the sustainability aspect; failing to mention alignment with Xylem's mission can make you seem like just another salesperson.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!