Business Development Manager – B2B & B2C Supplements

Gfic; Heidelberg; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gfic is seeking a highly entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to drive B2B ingredient sales to industrial and CMOs across the DACH region and Europe.

You will also build and scale the new B2C supplement portfolio through online and offline retail channels, leveraging a robust German and European network and working closely with R&D, regulatory, and marketing teams. The role requires flexibility and up to 50% travel, with a home-office base in Germany.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of proven commercial success in B2B sales and/or business development in supplements, functional food, or health ingredients.
• Proven track record selling to Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical clients and working with CMOs.
• Strong B2C retail network across German drugstores (DM, Rossmann), pharmacies, online marketplaces (Amazon).
• Scientific degree (B.Sc. / M.Sc.) in Food Technology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology or related field.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken).
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, able to build new channels from scratch.
• Willing to travel up to 50% for meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Drive high-value B2B ingredient sales to industrial and CMO clients in the DACH region and beyond.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to maximize margin and market share.
• Lead the launch and scale the new B2C supplement portfolio across Germany and Europe.
• Identify and grow multi-channel distribution including e-commerce, retail and pharmacies.
• Partner with marketing, R&D, regulatory, and supply chain to align products with market needs.

Job description

Position Overview

Our company is a science-driven global innovator in functional ingredients and nutraceuticals. Building on decades of B2B leadership, we are actively expanding our footprint by scaling our core ingredient business while simultaneously launching a new commercial unit focused on finished B2C supplement brands across Europe.

We are seeking a highly entrepreneurial, sales-driven Business Development Manager. In this dual-impact role, you will be responsible for driving high-value B2B ingredient sales to industrial and contract manufacturing clients, while strategically building, launching, and scaling B2C supplement sales channels across online and offline retail in the DACH region and broader Europe.

Key Responsibilities

1. B2B Sales & Key Account Management (Ingredients & CMOs)

• Revenue Generation: Drive commercial growth and achieve ambitious targets for high-value nutritional, cosmetical, and functional food ingredients.
• Client Engagement: Identify, negotiate with, and secure long-term commercial relationships with B2B clients in the Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical sectors across Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• CMO Partnerships: Partner directly with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and formulation developers to integrate proprietary ingredients into finished products.
• Account Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive annual business plans for strategic key accounts to maximize margin and market share.

2. B2C Market & Channel Development (Finished Supplements)

• Go-To-Market Execution: Lead the launch and commercialization strategy for the new B2C supplement portfolio in Germany and Europe.
• Multi-Channel Expansion: Identify, open, and scale key B2C distribution channels, including: E-Commerce: Amazon Marketplace, online pharmacies, and digital marketplaces. Retail & Drugstores: Key buyers and category managers at major chains (e.g., DM, Rossmann, Müller). Pharmacies: Wholesalers, pharmacy associations (Apothekenverbünde), and specialized health channels. DTC & Digital Brands: Direct-to-consumer partnerships and brand collaborations.
• Listings & Trade Terms: Negotiate product listings, pricing structures, shelf placement, and promotional terms across retail and online platforms.

3. Brand Launch, Marketing & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Market Positioning: Adapt product positioning, packaging, and marketing messaging specifically for the German/European regulatory and consumer environment.
• Campaign Coordination: Work closely with internal and external marketing teams to drive promotional campaigns, influencer marketing, and digital activations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the commercial link between R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Product Management to align scientific innovation with market requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Industry Experience: Minimum 5+ years of proven commercial success in B2B sales and/or business development within the supplements, functional food, or health ingredients sectors.
• Selling Experience in Germany: Proven track record of selling supplements/ingredients to Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical clients, as well as hands-on experience working with Contract Manufacturers (CMOs).
• B2C Retail & Network: Strong, established commercial network across German drugstores (DM, Rossmann), pharmacy networks, online marketplaces (Amazon), or health retailers.
• Educational Background: Scientific degree (B.Sc. / M.Sc.) in Food Technology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, or a related field; strong ability to communicate complex science-led product benefits.
• Languages: Fluent in both German and English (written and spoken).
• Entrepreneurial Drive: Self-motivated, highly sales-driven mindset with the demonstrated ability to build new business channels from the ground up.
• Mobility: Comfortable working from a home office base in Germany, with a willingness to travel up to 50% for customer meetings and trade events.