Business Development Manager

Brenntag Ag; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical service provider is looking for a Business Development Specialist - Pharma in Cape Town. You will identify new market opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and introduce innovative solutions. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, strong commercial acumen, and 5-8 years of relevant experience. This role offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive and fair salary

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5-8 years experience in business development or technical sales within pharmaceuticals.
• Strong technical knowledge of pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations.
• Self-motivated strategic thinker with strong organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Build relationships with key customers and principals.
• Manage and maintain an active project pipeline.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship-building

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Understanding of pharmaceutical regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field

Matric or equivalent qualification

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

Overview

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.

Your 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.

Experience

• Self-motivated, strategic thinker with strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle.
• 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

EEO Statement

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