Head of Business Development Europe

About the job

Opportunity to lead and shape the European sales strategy in a growing and forward-thinking business. Hybrid working model, competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and career growth opportunities. Collaborative and innovative work environment.

Job Overview: 

Our client is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Head of Business Development to lead the company’s sales efforts across the European market. This hybrid role is pivotal in driving revenue growth through new business acquisition and expanding relationships with existing, long-standing customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the ink industry, particularly in tape inks, solvent-based, and water-based packaging inks, with a proven ability to build robust sales pipelines and foster long-term customer relationships.

Main Tasks: 

1. Identifying new prospects throughout the European market, focusing on new business, targeting waterbase and solvent based, liquid flexo inks for tape, film, paper, tissue and board markets.
2. Contacting potential target customers and arranging introductory meetings to highlight core ink range including the features and benefits of the products and end solutions.
3. Propose suitable product recommendations and liaise with the technical team to undertake testing as necessary.
4. Visiting customers to maintain and grow the relationship; to obtain orders and check they are happy with products and service provided by the team.
5. Attend customer visits as required for product trials, benchmarking, customer pass offs or for problem solving that may occur.
6. Develop long lasting and meaningful relationships with customers.
7. Undertake new customer audits, propose KPI analysis and arrange client technical product training.
8. Identifying and reporting on new business opportunities.
9. Assessing sales opportunities and generating targeted proposals to present and agree with potential new and existing customers.
10. Supporting and liaising with existing customer where necessary.
11. Attending and contributing towards monthly team sales meetings.

Sales Growth & Business Development 

Develop and execute a robust strategic sales plan to drive profitable sales growth in Europe, focusing on new business acquisition within the tape ink sector, as well as solvent and water-based packaging inks. Identify and target key prospects, actively building a healthy sales pipeline to ensure sustainable growth. Conduct customer visits to undertake product tests and trials, demonstrating the effectiveness of our ink range for their machinery.

Customer & Account Management 

Manage and nurture relationships with existing, loyal and long-standing customers, ensuring high satisfaction, repeat business, and long-term partnerships are created. Oversee order processing, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations to maximize profitability. Resolve any customer disputes or issues that may promptly and professionally.

Collaboration & Leadership 

Work closely with the UK sales team to align strategies and tactics, share market insights, and ensure cohesive customer approach. Provide market feedback to relevant business teams (Technical, Production, Sales, Marketing & Management) to support the site development and product innovation.

Product & Industry Expertise 

Undertake product knowledge training to develop a deep understanding of ink range and core products, including their features, benefits, and end applications. Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to maintain our competitive edge.

Qualifications & Experience 

Proven track record in B2B sales, preferably within the ink, coatings, or associated industries. Strong experience in new business development, particularly in tape inks, solvent-based, and water-based packaging inks. Ability to manage key accounts and build long-term customer relationships. Willingness to travel reasonably frequently across Europe for customer visits, product trials, and industry events. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Fluency in English; additional European languages (e.g., Dutch, German, French) are desirable.