Technical Sales / Business Development Manager – Ingredients

About the Role A fast-growing German life science company specialising in proprietary drug-delivery technology for plant-based active ingredients is looking for a Technical Sales / Business Development Manager – Ingredients . This is a pivotal commercial role for someone who combines deep scientific or technical knowledge with genuine sales drive — the key link between the R&D/lab team and buyers at leading supplement brands and contract manufacturers. The company develops IP-protected technology that transforms natural compounds (including polyphenols and flavonoids such as Curcumin, Boswellia, Passiflora, and Berberine) into crystal-free, dual-coated actives with dramatically improved solubility, bioavailability, stability, and taste profile. Their ingredients are suitable for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, and personal care applications — available as free-flowing powders compatible with sticks, capsules, and tablets. The business has a strong inbound pipeline following a highly successful trade show debut and is now ready to convert warm leads into long-term B2B partnerships. You will be central to driving that commercial growth phase. What You'll Do Own and drive the full B2B sales cycle — from lead qualification through to deal close — targeting supplement brands and contract manufacturers (Lohnhersteller). Act as the technical interface between the internal lab/science team and prospective customers, translating complex ingredient science into clear commercial value propositions. Build and nurture long-term key account relationships using a consultative, solution-oriented sales approach. Manage and develop a pipeline of warm inbound leads as well as proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities across the DACH region and beyond. Collaborate closely with founders and the technical team to align customer needs with product capabilities and roadmap. Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and customer meetings. Maintain accurate pipeline and account data in the CRM system. Contribute to go-to-market strategy, pricing discussions, and commercial positioning as a core early commercial hire. What We're Looking For Required: Completed degree in a natural science or technical discipline — e.g. Food Technology, Nutritional Science (Ökotrophologie), Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Business with a Life Science focus — or equivalent qualification. 2–4 years of hands-on B2B sales, key account management, or business development experience in the raw ingredients, nutraceuticals, supplements, or pharmaceutical industry. Technical or scientific background, or a demonstrable track record selling technical/scientific products. Fluent in both German and English (written and spoken). Strong relationship-building skills and a consultative, customer-centric sales style. Willingness to travel for customer visits and industry events. Nice to Have: Experience in a startup or scale-up environment. Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g. HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar). Existing network within supplement brands, nutraceutical distributors, or contract manufacturers. Familiarity with bioavailability enhancement, drug delivery, or formulation science. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: €60,000 – €80,000 per year (depending on experience). Early-stage equity / meaningful stake in a growing company. Direct impact and visibility as a key commercial hire at a Seed-stage company. Close collaboration with the founding team and scientists. Opportunity to shape the commercial function from the ground up. Location This is an on-site role based in Regensburg, Germany . Candidates should be based in or willing to relocate to the Regensburg area.