Business Development Manager 1 fte (40 hrs/ week)

Brightlands; Campus (IL); Hybrid; USD 68,626 - 102,939; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary scale

Opportunities for personal and professional development

Flexible working hours

Access to on-campus facilities

Job summary

Brightlands, located at the Chemelot Campus, is seeking a mid-senior level Business Development Manager. This vital role focuses on driving growth by attracting new companies and supporting existing ones in the innovative hub of smart materials and sustainable manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in chemistry or engineering and at least 10 years of commercial experience. This position offers competitive pay, great work-life balance, and the opportunity to be part of a leading team in the chemicals and materials space.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of commercial experience, preferably in sales or business development.
• Experience in real estate development or pilot/demo plant construction is an asset.
• Willingness to be physically present on campus at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Manage full acquisition process from initial contact to signed lease agreement.
• Identify and target companies aligned with the campus’s innovation focus.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders on campus and in the regional ecosystem.

Skills

Strategic selling skills

Project management

Results-driven personality

Strong listening skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Education

Academic background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science

Job description

Business Development Manager

Brightlands Chemelot Campus – Geleen, Netherlands (40 hrs / week, full‑time).

Role Overview

Brightlands Chemelot Campus is a leading innovation hub in smart materials and sustainable manufacturing. The Business Development team aims to attract new companies and support existing ones, and we need a mid‑senior level Business Development Manager to drive growth. This role reports directly to the Director of Business Development.

Responsibilities

• Manage full acquisition process from initial contact to signed lease agreement.
• Identify and target companies aligned with the campus’s innovation focus; develop strategies to engage and attract them.
• Support existing campus companies in realizing growth ambitions.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders on campus and in the regional ecosystem.
• Monitor emerging trends and technologies relevant to chemical and biomedical sectors.
• Understand needs of innovative companies and align them with the campus’s innovation proposition.

Requirements

• Academic background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
• Minimum 10 years of commercial experience, preferably in sales or business development.
• Experience in real estate development or pilot/demo plant construction is an asset.
• Proactive, outgoing, results‑driven personality with strong listening skills, creativity, flexibility, and hands‑on mentality.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven strategic and consultative selling skills in a highly technical context.
• Willingness to be physically present on campus at least 3 days per week, with flexibility.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time, mainly within Europe.

Benefits

• Competitive salary scale 9 or 10, based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Flexible working hours and support for work‑life balance.
• Access to on‑campus facilities that support well‑being.
• Inspiring work environment surrounded by global thought leaders in chemicals and materials.