Sales & Business Development Manager

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

 

Sales & Business Development Manager

Any European Location: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg

  

In summary we require a strong multinational salesperson with a technical chemical background and relevant industry experience, selling chemical compounds that traditionally includes coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.

 

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer

Listgrove’s client is a biotech company that specializes in the research, development and production of bio-based and renewable chemicals derived from biomass.

Manufacturing plant-based and renewable ingredients, the client delivers cutting-edge specialty chemical solutions to companies worldwide—helping them replace traditional petrochemicals and de-fossilize with eco-friendly alternatives.

As a global leader, they can offer plant-based ingredients and derivatives used in a wide range of industries, from industrial and consumer care to agrochemicals, personal care, home care, paints, coatings, and cosmetics. Proprietary, patented technology is a product of years of in-house expertise, enabling them to develop sustainable bio-solvents with a large number of applications.

With headquarters and R&D facilities in Southern France, the Netherlands and manufacturing hubs across Asia, the business is truly global.  The team is dynamic, multicultural and passionate about helping customers transition to fossil-free, safe, and sustainable ingredients.

With increased R&D investments, an expanding patent portfolio, and the development of next-generation technologies, they are pushing boundaries like never before. As a result, we are searching for top talent from across the globe to join us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable future.

 

 Responsibilities: 

• You will play a pivotal role in developing and executing sales strategies to accelerate revenue growth in the HI&I Speciality Chemicals, or CASE sectors, including institutional hygiene, household, and agri markets.
• You will be responsible for closing deals efficiently, from initial prospecting to final contract negotiations. Your ability to navigate complex sales cycles, develop deep customer intimacy, negotiate competitive terms, and deliver value-driven proposals will be essential in securing new business and maximizing revenue potential.
• Through regular engagement, technical support, and proactive problem-solving, you will position yourself as a trusted advisor, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

 

Key Selection Criteria: 

• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of 5-10+ years in sales.
• A strong commercial and technical background in chemistry or chemical engineering is highly desirable.
• Possess a hands-on mentality, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• An excellent team player with a multi-cultural mindset, they excel at building relationships and driving business growth.
• Highly driven, autonomous, single contributor with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Experience of managing Tier1 customers and distributors accounts.
• Significant business development track record, particularly with new product introduction.
• Sensitivity to sustainability and interest in bio-sourced chemical solutions.

  

To achieve this the BDM will: 

• Analyse the addressable market for various applications
• Collaborate with the Chief Commercial Officer and Technical Application Manager to devise the best market entry strategy.
• Generate and manage leads and a pipeline of opportunities.
• Engage customers and partners at senior level to demonstrate sustainable vision and key differentiators.
• Identify the right value proposition, develop a business case and support the customer project throughout its lifecycle.
• Close deals and manage the ongoing relationship with the customer.
• Contribute to revenue growth in the region.

 

 Personal Profile: 

• Aggressive, challenger mindset.
• Fast learner.
• Ambitious and inspired.
• Positive personality with drive, high energy and passion.
• High degree of adaptability, resilience and initiative. Resourceful, creative.
• Sound judgment and decisiveness.
• Focus, pragmatism and result orientation.
• Collaborative, constructive approach with others.
• Highly available and mobile (50% of the time minimum).

 

Language Requirements: 

• Fluent in English – French and other languages are “nice to have”

 

 

 

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For EU roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the European Union. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

 

 

Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025, Plastics Live Ireland