Global Business Development Manager - Europe

About the Role

This position is part of the Global Marketing Group and involves close collaboration with various business segments, R&D teams, and international subsidiaries to uncover and grow new business opportunities. The group spans technology, business planning, and market expansion across multiple industries and regions, aimed at converting innovation into lasting commercial success. This role emphasizes strategic market development rather than traditional sales functions.

The successful candidate will drive identification of emerging markets, design growth strategies, and generate new business avenues specifically for Nippon Kayaku's Chemicals Division. The role suits professionals transitioning from technical, engineering, product management, or scientific backgrounds into broader strategic, commercial, or business development roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze industry, customer, and competitor trends to spot and prioritize new markets, technologies, and business opportunities.
• Formulate market entry plans, build business cases, and outline long-term expansion strategies.
• Convert technical strengths into market-ready commercial ventures.
• Discover new product applications, customer segments, partners, and distribution channels.
• Lead strategic initiatives from concept through to market execution.
• Establish strong connections with customers, industry specialists, research institutions, and key partners.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, exhibitions, and client discussions.
• Collaborate extensively with R&D, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and leadership across geographies.
• Influence and coordinate efforts across teams in a matrixed, multicultural corporate environment without direct authority.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and market shifts relevant to Nippon Kayaku’s chemical business areas.

Personal Qualities

• A strong thirst for knowledge and self-driven learning.
• Ability to merge technical know-how with commercial insight.
• Effective communication skills for diverse technical and business audiences.
• Passion for identifying and cultivating new market opportunities.
• Independent, self-motivated working style.
• Comfort and adaptability in diverse international and multicultural settings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Academic degree or equivalent industrial experience in fields such as Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Business, or related disciplines.
• Background in sectors like Advanced Materials, Specialty Chemicals, Electronic Materials, Semiconductor Technologies, Inkjet Technologies and Inks, Optical Films (Polarizers, Retarders), or Thermoset Resin technologies for advanced materials.
• Minimum 7 years’ accumulated experience in technical, commercial, product management, marketing, or business development roles within B2B industrial markets.
• Proven track record in developing new business or executing strategic expansion projects.
• Capability to translate technical expertise into viable commercial products and opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication competencies.
• Experience working within a matrix organizational structure with international and multicultural teams.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25-30% within Europe plus occasional trips to Asia and North America.