Business Development Manager

Brenntag; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical distribution company is seeking a Business Development Specialist in Cape Town to drive growth within the pharmaceutical sector. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of pharmaceutical ingredients, proven sales experience, and excellent relationship-building skills. Responsibilities include identifying new market opportunities and managing principal relationships. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive and fair salary

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5–8 years' experience in business development or technical sales within the pharmaceutical or chemical sectors.
• Demonstrated success in winning new business and growing key accounts.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle from prospecting to post-sale support.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Promote Brenntag's product portfolio at key accounts.
• Implement comprehensive business plans with measurable goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams on pricing strategies.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent relationship-building skills

Proven negotiation skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements

Self-motivated and strategic thinker

Valid driver's licence

Education

Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Matric or equivalent qualification

Master's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

Your Role As a Business Development Specialist – Pharma, you will play a key role in driving sustainable business growth within the Pharmaceutical sector.

You will identify and develop new market opportunities, strengthen relationships with key customers and principals, and introduce innovative product and service solutions that align with Brenntag's global strategy.Your focus will be on expanding our customer base, deepening market share with strategic accounts, and unlocking new product and market combinations through robust supplier partnerships, competitive pricing strategies, and differentiated technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals to stay informed on new products, technical innovations, and market trends.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, customers, and applications within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Promote and support the technical and commercial aspects of Brenntag's product portfolio at key accounts.
• Introduce new suppliers, product ranges, and application solutions to strengthen Brenntag's market position.
• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans with measurable short-, medium-, and long-term goals that support annual budgets and targets.
• Collaborate with internal teams to define competitive pricing strategies and support customer negotiations.
• Represent Brenntag at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to reinforce our market presence.
• Manage and maintain an active project pipeline, ensuring successful project commercialisation.

Profile

The ideal candidate is a commercially minded professional with strong technical knowledge of pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations.

You are relationship-driven, entrepreneurial, and capable of identifying opportunities that align customer needs with innovative solutions.

You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where technical expertise and strategic thinking drive success.

Skills

• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to develop data-driven business cases.
• Excellent relationship-building skills at both operational and executive levels.
• Proven negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CRM systems (SAP knowledge advantageous).
• In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, GDP) and industry standards.
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker with strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle.

Experience

• 5–8 years' experience in business development or technical sales within the pharmaceutical, chemical distribution, manufacturing, or commodities sectors.
• Demonstrated success in winning new business and growing key accounts.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle — from prospecting to contract close and post-sale support.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with commercial, technical, and supply chain teams.

Education

• Matric or equivalent qualification.
• Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific or business discipline.
• Master's degree will be an advantage.

Our Offer

• Competitive and fair salary.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Professional development opportunities.

Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization.

We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic.

We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Brenntag TA Team