PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WITHIN TECHNICAL B2B INGREDIENTS (NUTRACEUTICAL / COSMETIC / FOOD INGREDIENTS) AND ARE LOCATED IN ONE OF THE LOCATIONS BELOW.
Locations: France / Germany / Italy / Netherlands / Spain / Belgium
Compensation: Competitive base + benefits (Dependent on experience).
Type: Full-time · Permanent
Reporting to: Sales & Marketing Director
Confidential search:
I am partnering with a rapidly growing natural active ingredients business (human + animal health & wellness applications) to hire an International Business Development Manager to expand and strengthen global market presence. This is a senior, hands-on role blending strategy with execution - building new markets, unlocking partnerships, and driving commercial growth across international regions.
What you'll lead:
* Define and deliver international commercial strategy for a natural ingredients portfolio.
* Identify, win, and grow strategic customers/partners globally (distributors, brand owners, industrial players).
* Market scouting + competitive analysis to pinpoint high-potential regions, trends, and product opportunities.
* Build business cases and commercial plans for new markets, aligned to a sustainability-led value proposition.
* Own the end-to-end sales cycle: lead generation → pitching technical value → negotiation → close.
* Manage key accounts and strengthen existing partnerships with high engagement and customer satisfaction.
* Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Supply Chain) to enable successful market entry and positioning.
* Represent the business at international trade shows/conferences and follow up fast on generated opportunities.
* Ensure effective commercial organization, including customer service workflows, documentation, and coordination across stakeholders.
Why this role?
* Strategic impact: a visible role shaping global expansion and go-to-market priorities
* Autonomy: strong ownership, with space to build partnerships and open regions from scratch
* Sustainability + innovation: natural, high-quality ingredient solutions in fast-moving wellness-led categories
* International exposure: broad global remit with meaningful travel and external market presence.
Non-negotiables:
* 10–15 years' experience in international business development (or comparable commercial roles) within technical B2B markets for nutraceutical, cosmetic or food ingredients.
* Track record in building and managing international partnerships + negotiating commercial agreements.
* Experience with distributor-led models, plus the ability to promote directly to customers/market partners.
* Strong grasp of active ingredients: applications, benefits, and the regulatory/compliance context.
* Commercially sharp: market evaluation, business planning, and strategic decision support.
* Excellent English communication/presentation (2nd language is a plus).
* High autonomy, proactive ownership, and willingness to travel frequently worldwide.
Preferential:
* Network across nutraceutical, wellness, cosmetic, and/or food ingredient ecosystems
* Experience coordinating across multiple internal functions/entities (matrix/group environment)
* Strong process discipline: structured opportunity follow-up, documentation, and internal coordination.
How to apply (confidentially):
Direct message me on LinkedIn with your CV/resume, and/or Email: lmcintyre@verrusgroup.com (subject: International BD Manager – Natural Ingredients).
Please include: location, current compensation, right to work, travel flexibility, key regions you've built.