Business Development Manager

About the Opportunity

Barden is partnering with a global specialty chemicals company to find a Business Development Manager for their new operations in Ireland. This is a crucial role as the company establishes a lasting presence focused on servicing the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. The company is part of an international group active across Europe and Asia and is embarking on an ambitious expansion across the European market.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to senior leadership, the appointed Business Development Manager will be responsible for leading the market entry and ongoing commercial growth in Ireland. This role involves building foundational relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, CDMOs/CMOs, and specialty chemical distributors with the goal of advancing these connections into deeper partnerships relating to CDMO services and custom synthesis.

The position merges strategic commercial planning, technical engagement, and market development activities, ideally suited to a leader passionate about establishing markets from scratch while collaborating closely with global technical and operational teams.

Key Duties

• Design and implement the commercial strategy for the Irish market
• Forge and nurture connections with pharmaceutical manufacturers, CDMOs/CMOs, and specialty chemical distributors
• Initiate market entry by promoting specialty chemicals and intermediates to build trust and credibility
• Develop opportunities within CDMO and custom synthesis sectors over time
• Serve as the commercial and technical liaison with clients
• Deliver insights on market pricing, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain dynamics
• Collaborate extensively with global technical, supply chain, and compliance teams
• Represent the company at client meetings and key industry events
• Facilitate growth of local capabilities as the market evolves

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in business development, technical sales, or commercial leadership roles in chemical, pharmaceutical, CDMO, or related sectors
• Preferably have a technical qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated aptitude for establishing trust-based relationships within complex, technical B2B environments
• Strong commercial insight coupled with strategic and practical implementation abilities
• Entrepreneurial approach with experience in business growth or development environments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively convey technical competencies as commercial advantages