Business Development Manager

Job Description

Business Development Manager – Product Innovation (FMCG)

Are you energized by uncovering new business opportunities and connecting with new stakeholders within established key accounts? Do you find exploring breakthrough technologies and helping clients define the next generation of products a challenge worth waking up for?

Verhaert, the dynamic product development powerhouse, is looking to strengthen its market position. We are seeking a driven, proactive Business Development Manager for our Product Innovation group to expand our client portfolio and spearhead our commercial growth.

If you are eager to combine a consultative approach with the excitement of building new partnerships in innovation, read on

The Opportunity

As we continue our international expansion, we are looking for a commercial professional with a strong hunter mindset to drive new business growth. In this role, you will lean on a solid foundation of existing core accounts and technical expert teams, while actively pursuing two key commercial growth engines: bringing in completely new prospective clients and identifying untapped opportunities and divisions within our current accounts.

Your focus will primarily center on the FMCG sector and adjacent industries for which Verhaert already has proven the Appliances and Devices for many major companies. If you gain energy from establishing new relationships, inspiring stakeholders across multiple levels of an organization, and bringing high-value product innovation tracks over the finish line, this is the perfect role for you.

Your Role & Responsibilities

As our Business Development Manager, your main objective is to establish new customer relationships and expand our product development impact:

• Develop New Accounts & Expand Existing Partnerships: Actively identify and engage target prospects in the FMCG sector, while uncovering new stakeholders, departments, and project opportunities within established client environments.
• Inspire with Value-Driven Solutions: Act as an insightful discussion partner who brings fresh ideas to the table, helping clients recognize how transformative technologies can help them lead in their market segments.
• Uncover Product Development Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders across various organizational levels to identify concrete Product Development (PD) opportunities early on.
• Consultative Selling: Collaborate closely with our Solutions Managers and engineering teams to translate client challenges into tailored, impactful innovation programs.
• Build a Sustainable Pipeline: Proactively build and manage your commercial pipeline by balancing out active outreach with the steady harvesting of opportunities across your core accounts.

What We Are Looking For

• Proactive Sales Mindset: Demonstrated experience in B2B consultative selling and business development, with a genuine drive to open new doors and grow accounts.
• Industry & Enterprise Insight: Experience with or an active network within the FMCG market and related industries is a significant advantage. You understand how large corporate decision-making structures function.
• Relationship & Communication Skills: A natural connector capable of building trust, advising cross-functional client teams, and guiding deals to a successful close.
• Affinity with Technology & Innovation: Because discussions center on product development and engineering services, a deep curiosity for emerging technologies and design is essential.
• Languages & Location: Fluent in Dutch and English (German is a definite bonus). (Must reside in Belgium with valid work authorization).

Ready to Shape the Future?

Bring your commercial curiosity, initiative, and passion for innovation. Apply now