Business Development Manager

International Business Development Manager

Sustainable Packaging Materials | Europe

Location: Spain (preferred) – Hybrid

Role 1 : DACH & Central Eastern Europe .

Role 2 : France, Benelux & Nordics

About the Opportunity

Our client is a rapidly growing European materials technology business that has developed a patented bio-resin platform designed to replace conventional plastics across multiple packaging applications.

Following an investment of more than €60 million into research, development and industrialisation, the business is now entering the next phase of its growth as it scales production from pilot volumes to full industrial manufacturing. The technology is already protected by 36 patents across more than 30 countries, has been independently certified, and is being evaluated by a number of internationally recognised consumer brands, packaging converters and paper manufacturers.

This is a rare opportunity to join a business that is not simply improving existing packaging materials, but helping redefine how sustainable packaging is designed and manufactured.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will become one of a small international commercial team responsible for driving the commercialisation of an entirely new material platform across Europe.

The Role

This is a genuine Business Development position focused on creating new commercial opportunities rather than managing an established customer base.

Working with packaging converters, paper manufacturers and global consumer brands, you will identify new applications, develop strategic customer relationships and manage complex qualification projects through to commercial implementation.

Unlike a traditional sales role, this position combines business development, strategic account management and project management, requiring you to coordinate multiple stakeholders throughout long technical sales cycles.

Projects typically involve close collaboration with:

• Packaging Engineering
• Research & Development
• Sustainability Teams
• Procurement
• Manufacturing
• Operations

Sales cycles are typically 12–18 months, requiring a structured, consultative and resilient approach to opportunity management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities across your assigned European territory.
• Build relationships with packaging converters, paper manufacturers and multinational brand owners.
• Identify new applications for the company’s proprietary material technology.
• Manage opportunities from initial customer engagement through technical evaluation, qualification and commercial launch.
• Build long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional customer relationships.
• Work closely with technical, operations and R&D teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide market intelligence to support future product development and commercial strategy.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, technical workshops and international exhibitions.

About You

We are looking to speak with individuals who have experience within one or more of the following industries:

• Flexible Packaging
• Packaging Converting
• Paper & Fibre Materials
• Barrier Coatings
• Sustainable Packaging
• PVOH
• Polymers
• Specialty Chemicals
• Technical Films
• Packaging Materials

You will ideally possess:

• A proven track record of winning new business within industrial B2B markets.
• Experience selling technically complex products or material solutions.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple development programmes simultaneously.
• Experience working with converters, packaging manufacturers or multinational brand owners.
• Excellent commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the confidence to open new markets and create demand.

Languages & Location

There are two role, Business Development Manager Dach and Benelux.

For the DACH & Central Eastern Europe territory:

• Fluent English
• German preferred

For the UK, France, Benelux & Nordics territory:

• Fluent English
• French advantageous

The company would ideally like individuals based in Spain, particularly within commuting distance of Valencia. However, candidates elsewhere in Europe will also be considered, provided they are willing to travel regularly and are open to relocating after an initial period if required.

What’s Different About This Role?

This isn’t about selling an existing product into an established market.

It’s about helping create an entirely new category within sustainable packaging.

The successful candidate will play a key role in bringing an innovative material technology to market at a time when legislation, sustainability commitments and consumer demand are driving unprecedented change across the global packaging industry. The commercial opportunity is significant, with an existing customer pipeline representing approximately €300 million in potential annual run-rate opportunity.