Business Development Specialist-1

Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd.; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic multicultural environment

Competitive salary

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd. is seeking a Business Development Specialist – Adhesives to drive sustainable growth in the adhesives market.

You will identify new opportunities, strengthen customer and supplier relationships, and translate technical capabilities into commercial wins. You will work with principals, customers and internal teams to expand Brenntag's market share, develop key accounts, and implement structured business plans aligned to budgets and growth targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in adhesives or chemical distribution markedly preferred.
• 5–8 years' experience in business development, technical sales or related roles.
• Strong ability to translate technical capabilities into commercial opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the adhesives market.
• Strengthen relationships with principals, customers and suppliers.
• Develop and execute structured business plans with clear objectives and budgets.
• Collaborate on pricing strategies and support negotiations.
• Represent Brenntag at industry events and trade shows.
• Maintain a robust project and opportunity pipeline for ROI.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Project management

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Education

Matric or equivalent

Chemistry/BSc or diploma in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science

Business qualification (BCom, MBA) advantageous

Tools

SAP

Job description

Your RoleAs 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.ResponsibilitiesBuild 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 ProfileYou 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.SkillsStrong 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.Experience5–8 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.EducationMatric 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 OfferDynamic multicultural work environmentCompetitive and fair salaryRetirement savings planProfessional development opportunitiesHybrid work environmentBrenntag 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