Global Business Development Manager - Europe

Overview

This role sits within the Global Marketing Group and works closely with business divisions, R&D teams and global subsidiaries to identify and develop new growth opportunities.

The Global Marketing Group operates across technology, business strategy and market development. We work across multiple industries, technologies and regions to translate innovation into sustainable business growth. This is not a traditional sales role.

The successful candidate will help identify future markets, develop strategic growth initiatives and create new business opportunities for Nippon Kayaku's Chemicals Business.

We are seeking a commercially minded professional with strong technical credibility and a passion for innovation, market development and international collaboration.

This role is particularly suited to individuals who have evolved from technical, engineering, product management or scientific positions into broader commercial, strategic or business development responsibilities.

Job Function

• Identify, evaluate and prioritise new market, technology and business opportunities through analysis of industry, customer and competitive trends.
• Develop market entry strategies, business cases and long-term growth plans.
• Translate technical capabilities into commercially viable opportunities.
• Identify new applications, products, customers, partners and routes to market.
• Lead strategic projects from opportunity identification through to commercial implementation.
• Build relationships with customers, industry experts, research institutes and strategic partners.
• Represent Nippon Kayaku at conferences, exhibitions and customer engagements.
• Work closely with R&D, manufacturing, sales, marketing and business leadership teams across multiple regions.
• Influence stakeholders without direct authority and facilitate collaboration within a multicultural and matrix organisation.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and future market developments relevant to Nippon Kayaku's business.

Personal Attributes

• Naturally curious and motivated by learning.
• Combines technical understanding with commercial awareness.
• Communicates effectively with technical and business stakeholders.
• Enjoys developing new opportunities and markets.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
• Thrives in multicultural and international environments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or relevant industrial experience in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Business or a related discipline.
• Experience in one or more of: Advanced Materials, Specialty Chemicals, Electronic Materials, Semiconductor Technologies, Inkjet Technologies and Inkjet Inks, Polarizers, Retarders and optical films, Thermoset resin technology for Advanced Materials Markets.
• 7+ years of experience in technical, commercial, product management, marketing or business development roles within B2B industrial markets.
• Experience developing new business opportunities or strategic growth initiatives.
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into commercially viable opportunities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• History of working in a multicultural and matrix style organisation.
• Fluent in Written and Spoken English.
• Approximately 25–30% travel within Europe.
• Occasional international travel to Asia and North America.