🌍 European Business Development Director – Flexible Packaging

A private equity-backed, European flexible packaging manufacturer with a turnover of approximately €100 million is seeking to appoint a European Business Development Director to play a pivotal role in the next phase of its growth journey.

This is far more than a traditional business development role. Initially, your focus will be on winning strategic new business across Europe, building key customer relationships and driving commercial growth. Following this, there is a clear progression path into leading the European commercial team of four, with this position forming part of the company's long-term succession plan for the Chief Sales Officer, offering outstanding career progression for the right individual.

The business manufactures a broad portfolio of PE films, laminates, pouches, bags and sustainable flexible packaging solutions, supplying customers primarily within the food, frozen food and hygiene sectors from multiple manufacturing sites across Europe.

What they're looking for:

• Proven success in European business development within the flexible packaging industry.
• Strong technical understanding of flexible packaging materials, including PE films, laminates, pouches and related applications.
• MUST HAVE Experience selling into the food, frozen food and/or bakery sectors.
• A commercially driven individual with an entrepreneurial mindset who enjoys opening new markets and securing strategic accounts.
• Experience developing long-term customer relationships across multiple European territories.
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages would be advantageous.
• Leadership experience or the ambition to progress into a senior European commercial leadership role.

Why consider this opportunity?

• Join a well-established, private equity-backed European packaging group with ambitious growth plans.
• Clear progression into leading the European sales organisation as part of a structured succession plan for the Chief Sales Officer.
• Significant autonomy to shape the European commercial strategy and influence the future direction of the business.
• Work with a respected manufacturer recognised for its sustainable flexible packaging solutions and strong manufacturing footprint across Europe.
• Opportunity to make a genuine strategic impact whilst accelerating your own career into executive leadership.

Package:

• Highly competitive basic salary (dependent on experience)
• Attractive performance-related bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Comprehensive benefits package

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced flexible packaging sales leader looking to combine strategic business development with a genuine pathway into executive commercial leadership within a growing international manufacturing business.