Technical Business Development Executive

Role Purpose

Our client, a well-established manufacturing company specialising in labels and packaging solutions, is seeking a high-performing, hunter-style Technical Business Development Executive. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of seven years' successful sales experience in engineering or manufacturing, with direct exposure to technical components and the ability to customise solutions for clients. This role focuses on developing new markets from the ground up rather than managing existing accounts.

The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating long, consultative sales cycles and driving new business opportunities with multinational clients.

• Identify, develop, and qualify new markets, sectors, and applications for pressure-sensitive labels and shrink sleeves, building a new business pipeline from inception
• Engage manufacturers early in their product development lifecycle to understand needs and provide tailored solutions
• Translate customer challenges into technical, value-based proposals
• Collaborate with internal production and technical teams to ensure feasibility and delivery
• Develop and present data-driven market entry strategies supported by industry insight
• Manage the full business development lifecycle, from prospecting and technical evaluation through trials and conversion

• Proven experience selling technical, industrial, or engineered products, preferably in packaging, printing, or label solutions
• Candidates without direct packaging experience must demonstrate experience collaborating closely with production or technical teams

• Build a qualified and sustainable new-business pipeline
• Identify and validate new market segments
• Convert trials or pilot projects into long-term customers
• Establish credibility and trusted relationships with internal production and technical teams

This role requires up to 70% travel, including frequent local travel, regular Southern Africa travel, and occasional international trips