Antal International is a global executive recruitment firm operating in more than 35 countries.
We are currently recruiting, on behalf of our client – a leading European distributor of specialty chemicals, for an experienced Business Development / Product Manager to support strategic growth in the CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers) and Industrial Specialties markets.
Our client is an international group headquartered in Europe, recognized for its long-standing expertise in the distribution and marketing of specialty chemicals and polymers.
Location: Hybrid or Home office, Any major European city (France, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Germany, UK…)
Type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive market-level package with performance incentive and company car
Role Overview
The position is adecuado for a market-oriented professional with a strong technical background and a proactive mindset.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, managing supplier relationships, and driving product portfolio growth within the European market.
This role combines strategic business development, product management, and technical-commercial support to maximize both turnover and profitability of the CASE & Industrial Specialties business.
Key Responsibilities
- Explore new product line/new supplier’s opportunities.
- Evaluation, definition and positioning product portfolio according to market requirement
- Ensure the Commercial introduction to targeted marketplace.
- Manage keys Suppliers, sourcing/Pricing.
- Implement Pipeline for new projects - Support to local sales force.
- Ensure basic technical support and training to sales force in collaboration with supplier.
- Ensure the promotion, communication for specific product lines.
- Define action plans to reach commercial objectives in line with BU and supplier’sstrategy.
- Regular follow up of turnover/ margins according to budget and objectives
- Follow market trends, competitors SWOT analysis, regulation and supplier strategy
- Maintain promotional and technical information (Product guide, TDS, MSDS)
- Participation to the promotion, marketing actions and communication (trade fairs, associations…)
- Manage problems or claims - Interface between supplier and sales offices
- Full cooperation and synergies with entire team (worldwide)
- Continuously develop technical skills and knowledge within areas of responsibility
Profile & Qualifications
- Master’s degree or Engineer in Chemistry/Materials Science or equivalent Marketing & Product management.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in Coatings, Paints, Inks, Adhesives/Sealants, or Construction Chemicals.
- Good knowledge of the European chemical distribution sector (commodities and specialties).
- Technical background and good understanding of value chain, customer process, formulation and properties.
- Cross-cultural experience - Ability to communicate and to report in a clear and concise way
- Manage and lead meetings in effective way - Excellent presentation and contact’s approach.
- Excellent ability for negotiation – Supplier/Internal Customers/Product Orientated.
- Autonomy, Organization, Anticipation - Motivated, voluntary, rigorous, likes challenge, sense of service.
- Proactive, Focus on results, Able to convince and teamwork as a must- Leadership, sense of initiative.
- Practice of Pack Office
- English as a must and any other languages appreciated.
- Travel in all Europe on frequent basis, and outside Europe occasionally
Why Join?
- Opportunity to shape the European strategy for a growing specialty chemicals business.
- Join an organization known for its entrepreneurial culture, employee valued, technical know-how, and strong supplier partnerships.
- Exposure to a wide range of innovative products and global markets.