Business Development jobs in Germany

Based in Germany (Job Location - To be determined)

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is one of the world’s largest integrated paper group with over 100,000 employees. APP products are sold in over 150 countries worldwide with manufacturing units around the world. APP and its group companies manage multiple pulp and paper manufacturing and forestry operations across the globe that deliver quality products to meet the growing global demand for paper, packaging and tissue.

As a sustainable and responsible business, APP creates products and operate with care for our employees, society and the environment. We do this by leveraging technology and innovation, partnering the community and adhering to international business and operating standards across our production and supply chain.

To build APP’s tissue business presence in Europe, we have created several Country Business Development Head positions to start up our consumer Tissue business in these countries, covering United Kingdom, Germany, France and Poland. These Country Business Development Heads will report directly to our Co-Chair, Global Consumer Board, based in Shanghai, China.

Learn more about Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) path to operational excellence by reading our Sustainability Reports and Forest Conservation Policy at https://app.co.id/sustainability-roadmap-vision-2030

As the head of the Company’s tissue business in Germany, this newly created role is responsible for the comprehensive strategy formulation and execution for market entry, business development from scratch, and the establishment and management of a localized team. The core mission is to successfully build the company’s brand presence, achieve sustainable sales growth and market share acquisition within 18-24 months, and lay a solid foundation for long-term growth in Germany.

1. Market Strategy & Business Planning

• Conduct in-depth research on the tissue market landscape, consumer habits, channel structure, and competitive environment in the target country (i.e. Germany). Submit and gain headquarters approval for the inaugural "Market Entry and Three-Year Business Development Plan" report within 3 months of appointment.

2. Sales Development & Account Management

• Lead business negotiations and finalize cooperation agreements with key retailers, supermarket chains, local distributors, and mainstream e-commerce platforms in the target country. Secure stable initial orders by successfully onboarding at least 3 key channel partners within the first year.

3. Localized Operations & Team Building

• Establish and lead the initial local team (including sales, marketing, operations). Complete hiring for core positions and establish team management systems compliant with local regulations and company culture within the first 6 months.

4. Product & Supply Chain Coordination

• Propose localization adaptations for product specifications and packaging design to headquarters based on local market needs. Collaborate closely with the group supply chain department to optimize logistics from production to local warehousing, specifically addressing cost challenges related to the low-density, high-volume nature of tissue products. Aim to keep logistics costs within budget in Year 1.

5. Brand Building & Marketing

• Develop and execute annual brand marketing plans, integrating online and offline resources to enhance brand awareness. Prioritize e-commerce and new retail channels, targeting an e-commerce sales contribution of over 20% of total sales by Year 2.

6. Financial Management & Risk Control

• Oversee budgeting, cost control, and profit target achievement for the new market. Ensure healthy accounts receivable and stringent credit risk control to achieve positive cash flow.

1. Minimum 8 years of experience in the FMCG industry, with at least 5 years focused on German market. Experience in the household paper or tissue industry is highly preferred.
2. Proven success in greenfield market development (from zero to one) in a new country, with full-cycle involvement from market research, strategy, channel setup, team building to profitability.
3. Extensive experience and a strong network dealing with major European retailers (e.g. Edeka, Rewe, Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland) or key local channels.
4. Management experience at a Regional General Manager or Country Manager level in a multinational corporation; have led cross-cultural teams.
5. Education: Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in Marketing, International Trade, Business Administration, or related fields.

1. Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Excellent market analysis, strategic planning, and business modeling skills.
2. Sales & Negotiation: Outstanding business development, senior-level negotiation, and key account management skills.
3. Omni-channel Operational Knowledge: Deep understanding of modern trade, traditional distribution, and e-commerce models.
4. Financial & Data Analysis: Proficiency in interpreting financial statements and using data for business decision-making.
5. Supply Chain Understanding: Knowledge of cross-border trade, logistics, and supply chain management fundamentals.
6. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Results-driven, self-motivated, capable of leading teams in resource-constrained, ambiguous environments.
7. Leadership: Ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing cross-cultural teams.
8. Cross-cultural Communication: High cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Native German language is a prerequisite.
9. Problem-Solving: Analytical thinker, able to identify key business challenges and coordinate resources to deliver innovative, practical solutions.