Director Business Development (Milan, Antwerp, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France)

Sibelco Group; Antwerpen; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sibelco is seeking a senior business development leader to identify white spaces, prioritize growth initiatives, and govern portfolio expansion across EMEA. You will partner with Technology & Innovation and regional teams to drive new applications, partnerships, and scalable business models.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree and about 10 years in international B2B growth roles, with strong English and financial acumen.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or related field.
• Approx. 10 years of experience in business development, project management, venturing, growth related roles.
• Experience in international B2B business environments.
• English – highly proficient (spoken & written).

Responsibilities

• Identify white spaces and high-growth adjacencies within and beyond existing end-markets.
• Assess market attractiveness, scalability, and strategic fit of new applications and value propositions.
• Shape entry strategies that balance speed, investment discipline, and long-term value creation.
• Lead the formal handover of validated growth plays to Key Account Management and regional organisations for commercial scaling.
• Clarify ownership, success criteria, and governance at handover to ensure seamless execution.
• Act as a senior integrator across P&L leadership, Key Account Management, and Technology & Innovation.

Education

Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or related field

Job description

Location:

Antwerp HQ

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.

For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description:

Your Impact in this role:

As part of the Commercial Team you will identify, prioritise, and govern growth initiatives in line with Sibelco’s portfolio ambition and resource allocation principles.

In the role, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Identify white spaces and high‑growth adjacencies within and beyond existing end‑markets.


• Assess market attractiveness, scalability, and strategic fit of new applications and value propositions.


• Shape entry strategies that balance speed, investment discipline, and long‑term value creation.


• Outcome focus: Qualified entry points into new markets and applications that extend Sibelco’s portfolio.


• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with customers, technology providers, and external stakeholders to accelerate growth and innovation.


• Co‑create new solutions together with Technology & Innovation and validate them through pilots and proof‑of‑value initiatives.


• Explore and test new business models that enhance customer value while improving profitability and resilience.


• Outcome focus: Validated innovation and partnership‑led growth plays ready for scale‑up.


• Ensure early‑stage growth initiatives are de‑risked through structured pilots in collaboration with Technical Sales and regional teams.


• Lead the formal handover of validated growth plays to Key Account Management and regional organisations for commercial scaling.


• Clarify ownership, success criteria, and governance at handover to ensure seamless execution.


• Outcome focus: Smooth transition from innovation to commercial execution without role overlap.


• Act as a senior integrator across P&L leadership, Key Account Management, and Technology & Innovation.


• Ensure all growth initiatives comply with Sibelco’s standards on financial governance, risk management, contracting, safety, and sustainability.


• Represent EMEA in selected enterprise‑level growth and innovation forums, ensuring regional alignment with global priorities.


• Outcome focus: Disciplined execution of growth initiatives within enterprise governance.

What you bring to the table:

• Understanding of key P&L metrics and financial KPIs


• Financial modelling capabilities


• Technically savvy


• Understanding of both commercial and operational business aspects


• Knowledge of M&A lifecycle processes from target identification to integration completion and transfer to business‑as‑usual


• Strategic mindset, capabilities to ‘connect the dots’


• Conceptual thinking to define & shape business concepts


• Critical thinking and evaluation capabilities to judge projects, ability to think/evaluate critically while being open to different perspectives


• Constructive, inclusive and respectful team leader


• Ability to motivate, inspire & drive teams to create projects from scratch and push them forward under challenging circumstances


• Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or related field


• Approx. 10 years of experience in business development, project management, venturing, growth related roles


• Experience in international B2B business environments


• English – highly proficient (spoken & written)


• Another language is an asset

Employee Type:

Permanent

Why Join Us?

Sibelco is more than a workplace—it’s a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Meet Our People: Careers


• Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More


• Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.