Business Development Specialist-1

Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd.; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Equal employment opportunities

Job summary

Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd. seeks a Business Development Specialist – Adhesives to drive sustainable growth by identifying new opportunities and expanding market share in the adhesives sector.

You will translate technical capabilities into commercial opportunities and work closely with principals, customers and internal teams. You will nurture relationships, develop strategic plans, and negotiate pricing and exclusivity where beneficial, while representing Brenntag at industry events and

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in business development or sales in adhesives/chemical distribution or related industries.
• Strong industry experience and technical understanding of the adhesives market.
• Proven ability to identify, secure new business and grow key accounts.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with principals to stay informed on products and market trends.
• Identify, develop and convert new opportunities within the adhesives market.
• Strengthen existing customer relationships to grow sales, margins and market share.
• Promote Brenntag's capabilities at key accounts with technical and commercial teams.
• Develop and execute structured business plans with defined objectives.
• Collaborate on pricing strategies and support negotiations.
• Build partnerships with customers and principals, negotiating exclusivity where beneficial.
• Manage a robust pipeline to ensure successful commercialisation and ROI.
• Represent Brenntag at industry events to enhance visibility and growth opportunities.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Adhesive technologies

Communication skills

Project management

CRM systems (SAP knowledge)

Analytical skills

Driver's license & own vehicle

Education

Matric or equivalent

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science degree

Business qualification (BCom/MBA) advantageous

Tools

CRM systems

SAP knowledge

Job description

Your Role As a Business Development Specialist – Adhesives, you will be responsible for driving sustainable and profitable growth within the Adhesives Market. The role focuses on identifying and developing new business opportunities, strengthening strategic customer and supplier relationships, and introducing innovative products and application solutions. You will work closely with principals, customers and internal stakeholders to expand Brenntag's market share, develop key accounts and translate technical capabilities into commercial opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals to remain informed on new products, technologies, application developments and market trends.
• Identify, develop and convert new business opportunities, customers and applications within the Adhesives market.
• Strengthen existing customer relationships and identify opportunities to grow sales, margins and market share.
• Promote Brenntag's technical capabilities and product portfolio at key accounts, working closely with technical and commercial teams.
• Develop and execute structured business plans with defined short-, medium- and long-term objectives aligned to budgets and strategic growth targets.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop competitive pricing strategies and support customer negotiations.
• Build strategic partnerships with customers and principals, including negotiating exclusivity arrangements where commercially beneficial.
• Actively manage and maintain a robust project and opportunity pipeline to ensure successful commercialisation and return on investment.
• Represent Brenntag at industry events, customer forums and trade shows to enhance market visibility and identify growth opportunities.

Your Profile

You are an experienced Adhesives industry professional with a proven ability to identify market opportunities and translate technical knowledge into profitable business growth. You combine strong commercial acumen with an understanding of adhesives in the flexible & industrial packaging applications and market dynamics. You are proactive, commercially driven and confident in building relationships with customers and principals at both technical and senior management levels. You thrive in a dynamic, performance-driven environment and bring a strategic yet hands-on approach to developing new business and delivering sustainable growth.

Skills

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop data-driven business cases and value propositions.
• Excellent relationship management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify and convert market opportunities.
• Strong understanding of adhesive technologies, materials and applications, particularly within flexible and industrial packaging, and the associated customer and market requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at multiple organisational levels.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business plans and deliver measurable commercial results.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (SAP knowledge advantageous).
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle.

Experience

• 5–8 years' experience in business development or technical sales within adhesives & chemical distribution, manufacturing or related industries.
• Strong industry experience and technical understanding of the Adhesives market.
• Proven track record of identifying and securing new business, developing applications and growing key accounts.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle, from opportunity identification through to commercial closure and ongoing account development.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic customer and supplier relationships.
• Experience engaging with technical, commercial and senior management stakeholders.

Education

• Matric or equivalent qualification.
• A degree or diploma in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or a related scientific or technical field, supported by relevant adhesives industry experience essential.
• A business qualification, such as a BCom, MBA or relevant postgraduate diploma, would be advantageous.

Our Offer

• Dynamic multicultural work environment
• Competitive and fair salary
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work environment
• 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

Brenntag is the leading global distributor of chemicals and ingredients, committed to connecting customers and suppliers within networks. We add value for our customers and partners every step of the way: through our product knowledge, innovation, and sustainable solutions, combined with our passion for service excellence and commitment to safety. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, and with more than 17,500 experts at about 600 locations in 72 countries, our two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, offer a full range of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients. Therefore, our clients and partners can count on us for global reach combined with local agility and execution. As an employer, we embrace diversity and foster a sense of community and collaboration in an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and work together. We engage our employees in the company’s mission for collective success, by building long-term stability and safety through trust and clarity across the organization. We believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential and shape the future.

For more information, please visit www.brenntag.com