Global Business Line Head - Chemical CDMO

Global Business Line Head - Chemical CDMO (Confidential) DACH | Executive Leadership

Intro and overview

EPM Scientific is partnering on a confidential search for a Global Business Line Head for its Chemical CDMO business. The business has strong multipurpose manufacturing assets and deep chemistry expertise. It now needs a commercially minded business builder to reposition it for its next phase of growth.

You'll own the strategy and P&L for the business line globally. The main task is to lead a commercial turnaround: take existing capabilities to new customers in new markets as traditional segments decline. You'll report to the divisional President and sit on the leadership team. This is a high-impact role with significant scope to shape the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial turnaround, replacing declining volumes with new business from new customers and adjacent markets.
• Open new end markets, building senior relationships from scratch and turning them into committed commercial business.
• Find new applications for existing molecules, technologies and manufacturing assets.
• Own the global P&L, including revenue growth, profitability, cash generation, budgeting and forecasting.
• Set short-, medium- and long-term strategy, including capacity, investment and asset utilisation decisions.
• Build and manage a global opportunity pipeline, prioritising resources against growth targets.
• Act as executive sponsor for key accounts, leading major contract negotiations and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee existing contracts: pricing, volume forecasts, delivery performance and renegotiation readiness.
• Lead and develop the global business development and sales support team, building capability and accountability.
• Work with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering and Finance to make sure customer projects are delivered safely, compliantly and to a high standard.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. An MBA is an advantage.
• 15+ years in business line or general management within chemicals, specialty chemicals and Contract development manufacturing (CDMO).
• A proven track record of a commercial turnaround, rebuilding growth where markets or accounts were in decline.
• Strong P&L leadership, with experience driving revenue and EBITDA performance.
• Deep, creative chemistry and applications knowledge, covering development, scale-up and manufacturing.
• Senior-level networks in adjacent end markets.
• Strong commercial skills, including strategic account management, contract negotiation and business development.
• A solid grasp of manufacturing economics, asset utilisation and capacity planning.
• Experience leading global teams in a complex matrix organisation.
• An entrepreneurial, pragmatic leader who will challenge the status quo.
• Business-fluent English is essential.
• German Fluent/Native.