Head of Business Development (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products.

We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

„The future is circular“

Key responsibilities:

• Business Development & Sales Growth – Drive commercial activities and identify new business opportunities to support sustainable growth and strengthen market presence.
• Customer Acquisition & Onboarding – Lead the successful development, launch, and implementation of new customer partnerships, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
• Executive Relationship Management – Build trusted relationships with customer leadership teams and key stakeholders through regular engagement and business reviews.
• Strategic Market Expansion – Explore and assess growth opportunities across new industries, geographic regions, services, and platforms while leading initiatives from concept to execution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Inspire collaboration and ensure strong engagement across sales, supply chain, product development, and other internal teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Stakeholder Representation – Act as a company ambassador in interactions with external partners, customers, and industry stakeholders, strengthening IFCO’s reputation and market position.
• Commercial Performance & Innovation – Contribute to sales growth through contract development, new product categories, service enhancements, and innovative business solutions.
• Reporting & Customer Success – Provide timely and meaningful business updates while monitoring customer satisfaction and ensuring long-term partnership success.

We expect:

• Educational Background – Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, with a strong foundation in commercial and operational environments.
• Business Development Expertise – Proven experience in sales and business development, with a successful track record of identifying growth opportunities and building long-term customer partnerships.
• Strategic & Commercial Mindset – Skilled in market analysis, business case development, forecasting, and translating customer needs into sustainable commercial solutions.
• Relationship Building – Strong ability to establish trusted relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, while effectively navigating change and driving engagement.
• Industry Knowledge – Understanding of the fresh produce, food, or supply chain sector, with the ability to anticipate market trends and evolving customer requirements.
• Leadership & Collaboration – Experience leading and influencing teams, working in close partnership with commercial leadership, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Communication & Negotiation Skills – Outstanding presentation, negotiation, and communication skills, combined with the ability to create win-win outcomes and drive successful business agreements.
• Language Skills – Native-level French and fluent English required; additional German or other European language skills are considered an advantage.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change.
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages to keep you going.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.

About Us

IFCO is a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, empowering customers to participate in the circular economy in 50+ countries. IFCO operates a pool of over 400 million reusable packaging containers (RPCs) globally, which are used for over 2.5 billion shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other items from suppliers to grocery retailers every year. IFCO RPCs ensure a better fresh food supply chain by protecting freshness and quality and lowering costs, food waste and environmental impact compared to single-use packaging.More: www.ifco.com | Follow us on LinkedIn @IFCO SYSTEMS