Business Development & Startup Manager - Functional & Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The packaging industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by regulation, sustainability pressure, and the shift toward recyclable, fiber-based, and plastic-reducing solutions. Functional performance (barrier, sealing, strength) is increasingly being achieved through sustainable coatings such as water-based polymer dispersions.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to lead our strategic expansion into the sustainable packaging market: identifying growth opportunities, building a strong market network, and defining our positioning in barrier coatings and functional chemistry for packaging. This is an externally focused, high-impact role that requires deep industry connectivity, technical insight, and commercial drive.

What will you do?

As Business Development & Startup Manager, you will be responsible for the following:

Market Discovery & Strategy Development

• You map and quantify the European packaging value chain: paper and board producers, converters, brand owners, recyclers, and technology suppliers
• You identify growth segments (e.g. barrier coatings for food packaging, fiber-based solutions replacing PE, flexible packaging alternatives)
• You develop a clear market entry and growth strategy for sustainable functional chemistry
• You translate regulatory trends (PPWR, recyclability requirements) into business opportunities

Business Development & Commercial Leadership

• You build and manage a qualified opportunity pipeline across the core applications: barrier coatings (grease, moisture, OTR/CO₂), heat seal coatings, adhesives for film lamination
• You engage directly with packaging converters, paper and board manufacturers, brand owners (FMCG, food, e-commerce), coating formulators, and compounders
• You drive strategic partnerships and joint development projects
• You lead key customer journeys from concept to commercialization

Ecosystem & Network Building

• You build a strong external network within the packaging ecosystem: industry associations (Cepi, Flexible Packaging Europe, etc.), technology suppliers and manufacturers, start-ups, and innovation hubs
• You position the company as a thought leader in sustainable coating solutions
• You represent the company at industry events and technical forums

Product & Innovation Alignment

• You translate market needs into clear product and R&D requirements
• You define and prioritize functional performance gaps: recyclability/repulpability, barrier performance versus cost, compatibility with existing converting processes
• You work closely with R&D teams on the development and testing roadmap

Internal Alignment & Capability Building

• You act as the internal expert on sustainable packaging applications
• You support sales teams with technical positioning and value-based selling
• You contribute to pricing strategy and value propositions
• You build internal knowledge around regulation, market trends, and the competitive landscape

Who are you?

• You hold a master's or bachelor's degree in sciences, economics, or equivalent, and have 10+ years of experience in the packaging industry (converter, paper producer, chemical supplier), or in functional coatings/polymer dispersions (latex, acrylics, PVAc)
• You have a proven track record in business development, preferably in growth markets, and a strong existing network within the European packaging ecosystem
• You have thorough knowledge of packaging technologies (paper/board, flexible) and barrier coatings/functional performance requirements
• It is an additional asset if you have experience with sustainable (water-based) coating and adhesive technologies, knowledge of European sustainability and recyclability regulations, experience with co-development projects with customers, or a background bridging technical and commercial roles
• You are an entrepreneur who creates opportunities out of ambiguity, and at the same time a network builder who connects the entire value chain and influences stakeholders
• You are a strategic thinker with hands-on execution power, customer-focused and solution-driven
• You communicate strongly, both technically and commercially, and are a bridge-builder and coach
• You are resilient and adaptable in a fast-evolving market
• You are willing to travel regularly: business travel takes up approximately 50 to 60% of your time

What do we offer?

You will get a unique opportunity to shape a new growth platform in a fast-evolving market, with direct impact on the sustainability transition in packaging. It is a highly visible role in which you will have the space to build a strategic start-up from early stage to full scale, within a growth-oriented and sustainability-driven company. You will join a collaborative culture where you can count on technical support to arrive at customer-focused solutions. In addition, we offer a competitive salary package with performance incentives, a company car, and numerous other fringe benefits.