Business Development Manager 1 fte (40 hrs/ week)

About the role

You will play a key role in driving the growth of Brightlands Chemelot Campus by attracting new companies and creating compelling value propositions tailored to their needs. Your responsibilities include:

• Managing the full acquisition process from initial contact to a signed lease agreement;
• Identifying and targeting companies that align with the campus’s innovation focus, developing strategies to engage and attract them;
• S supporting existing companies on campus in realizing their growth ambitions;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant stakeholders on campus and within the broader regional ecosystem;
• Monitoring emerging trends and technologies relevant to the chemical and biomedical sectors;
• Understanding the needs of innovative companies and aligning them with the campus’s unique innovation proposition.

Responsibilities

This job involves technology, marketing, and strategic sales in a dynamic, continuously evolving environment. It requires a deep understanding of the technological landscape and the ability to engage meaningfully with technical and business stakeholders. You will manage complex, long-term sales processes that often span several years and involve cross-disciplinary collaboration within our organization.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who meets the following criteria:

• An academic background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science;
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a commercial environment, preferably in sales or business development;
• Experience with real estate development or the construction of pilot/demo plants is considered a strong asset;
• A proactive, outgoing, and results-driven personality, with strong listening skills, creativity, flexibility, and a hands-on mentality;
• Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Proven ability to attract and engage customers in a highly specialized, technical context, using strategic and consultative selling skills;
• Willingness and ability to be physically present on campus in Geleen at least 3 days per week, with flexibility;
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written;
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time, primarily within Europe.

Qualifications

At Brightlands, we value creation, collaboration, and delivering on our promises. Do you recognize yourself in these values? Then you may be the right fit for this role.

Skills

The ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding of the technological landscape and the ability to engage meaningfully with technical and business stakeholders. They should also have strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.

Benefits

Brightlands Chemelot Campus offers ample opportunities for personal and professional development, along with a competitive package of secondary benefits. This position is classified under salary scale 9 or 10, depending on your relevant experience and qualifications.

Pay

The position is classified under salary scale 9 or 10, depending on your relevant experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Most importantly, you’ll be working in an innovative and inspiring environment, surrounded by global thought leaders in the fields of chemicals and materials. Together, we contribute to the economic growth and innovation power of the Limburg region.