Search for: New Business Development Manager
Company: Koster Keunen Holland BV
Type of company:
Manufacturer and refiner, specialized in processing and formulating mainly natural waxes, as well as synthetic waxes and wax blends. 5th generation family business since 1852
Type of waxes:
Beeswax, Sunflower Wax, Rice Bran Wax, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Orange Peel Wax, Flower Waxes and Specialty Waxes
Industries:
Personal Care, Household, Pharma, Candle, Coatings, Food
Reporting line: To CEO
Location: Bladel (Noord-Brabant)
Starting date: Q3-Q4 2025
Reason for position: Additional vacancy to expand the Sales Team
Summary of position:
The New Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, prospecting, and securing new business opportunities for Koster Keunen in the various markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East & Asia. You will play an essential role in driving and accelerating growth by developing and implementing strategies to penetrate new markets and acquire new customers.
Key Responsibilities:
Prospecting and Lead Generation:
- Identify, prioritize and engage with prospective clients through various channels such as cold calling, networking, industry events and online research.
- Develop a robust pipeline of leads and opportunities to achieve new sales targets.
Client Engagement and Relationship Building:
- Build relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within target companies.
- Understand customer requirements and pain points to tailor solutions that address their needs effectively.
Solution Presentation and Proposal Development:
- Develop compelling presentations, proposals, and pitches to showcase Koster Keunen’s products and services.
- Collaborate with R&D, (technical) sales and (technical) marketing at Koster Keunen to customize solutions and pricing structures to meet client needs.
Negotiation and Deal Closure:
- Lead negotiations, in close cooperation with CEO with potential clients to secure profitable contracts and agreements.
- A strong focus on deal closure is required
Collaboration and Reporting:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, sales and customer service to support business development initiatives.
- Provide regular reports and updates on sales pipeline, progress, and forecasts to management.
Requirements:
- Relevant background/education.
- Proven and demonstrable track record of success in business development and new sales, preferably in the Personal Care or Food Industry and/or trading of raw materials or chemical ingredients.
- A passion for and interest in natural ingredients, preferably waxes.
- Experience with handling raw materials.
- Knowledge and experience with formulation and application is a plus.
- Demonstrable experience and interest in sustainability.
- Experience with operating effectively in a family business environment.
- Energetic and entrepreneurial attitude.
- Excellent communication skills.
- English as 1st language; good command of Dutch, French and German is a big plus.
Extra information:
- This job is NOT a hybrid job; the employee is expected physically present in Bladel during the week.
- Travelling and visiting customers will take an average of 1-2 days a week.
- The CEO will be responsible for a good transfer and training period and for the introduction to all existing customers and relations.
- This position offers a lot of freedom, thanks to the leadership style and guidance of the CEO.
- Koster Keunen is in Bladel (the Netherlands), south of Eindhoven, which is a 1.5-hour drive by car from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Long term focus:
A new state-of-the-art factory was opened at the Bladel location in mid-2018. It is the only GMPc-certified factory in the wax business worldwide.
At this moment additional production capacity is available in the new factory, along with many possibilities to expand the product portfolio. The available capacity has been designed within an ambitious sales plan to increase Koster Keunen’s turnover by more than 100% over the coming years.
Sourcing of raw materials and beeswax in Africa, China and various other countries will become part of the New Business Development Manager responsibilities in the long term. Knowledge of raw materials and strong connections in sourcing are essential to become successful in this role. A demonstrable interest and experience in sourcing is a plus.
Sustainability:
In 2019, Koster Keunen started its own sustainable beeswax initiative by founding a company in Lomé, Togo (West-Africa). This sustainable beeswax supply chain constitutes a long-term commitment to cooperative and beekeeper groups. Koster Keunen West Africa is structuring, training and improving good practices of beekeepers in multiple countries, and working hard to increase its impact. Currently 30.000 beekeepers are involved in this sustainable supply chain.
The largest cosmetic companies in the world have committed to this project, as buying this wax helps them achieve their sustainability goals. The positive effects of this inspiring project can be measured in the quality of wax produced, the recurrent income at local level, by the long-term commitment to local communities, by the ensuing positive social, economic and environmental effects, and by the professionalization of the local beekeeping societies.
Company:
Since 1852, Koster Keunen Holland and Koster Keunen U.S.A. have specialized in processing, formulating and marketing quality waxes to the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, candle and food industries. From beeswax, the foundation of the business and one of its principal products, Koster Keunen has developed a variety of new products to meet new and constantly evolving customer requirements. Koster Keunen’s strengths are its extensive knowledge of waxes and scientific experience in developing new products.
Salary and working conditions:
The base salary is determined through negotiations, depending on the candidate’s salary indication, expectations, profile, and track record, including specific experience with wax. An important part of the package is on-target earnings. A company car is included. Freelance work is negotiable. There is no predefined salary expectation with a maximum salary. In the longer-term further steps within the company is possible negotiable, however all this is depending on performance, developments and circumstances.
Process:
- Posting online and informing the network about the position.
Search for suitable candidates. - 1st round to get acquainted by telephone Braun Recruitment.
- 2nd round online interview Braun Recruitment.
- Introduction Koster Keunen.
- Two rounds at Koster Keunen with CEO and CFO/COO and meeting Sales Team.
- Job offer.
If you’re interested in the position and would like to apply, please contact me by phone
+31 (0)6 4224 7059 or send your CV to: paul.braun@braunrecruitment.nl.
Amsterdam, August 5, 2025
