Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our client, a renowned publicly listed Chinese company, is a pioneer in the mechanical sealing industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. Established in 1978, the company stands for innovation, engineering excellence, and global reliability. With a strong and growing presence in Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, our client is now embarking on its next strategic milestone: entering and expanding across Europe.

As the first senior representative in the European market, the Business Development Director (m/f/d) Europe will play a decisive role in shaping and implementing the go-to-market strategy across the region. This high-impact leadership role offers tremendous potential and you will be instrumental in building market presence from the ground up, establishing key partnerships, and driving long-term growth in sectors such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and general industry.

Reporting directly to the Chinese HQ, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence, backed by an innovative organization committed to long-term success in Europe.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Drive the market entry and long-term growth strategy across Europe, identifying high-potential sectors, regions and customer groups
• Develop strong relationships with EPC contractors, OEMs, distributors, and end users in target industries, with a focus on rotating equipment and sealing solutions
• Build and manage a scalable sales network and potential future team structures across Europe
• Oversee the full business development and sales cycle – from lead generation and technical consultation to deal closure and after-sales engagement
• Position the company as a reliable and competitive supplier by ensuring qualification and registration processes with major clients and industry frameworks
• Represent the company at key trade shows, industry forums, and technical events across the region
• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering teams to tailor solutions to the European market
• Provide market intelligence, sales forecasts, and strategic input to top management in support of global expansion goals

   

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field
• A university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Business
• Extensive sales and business development experience in Europe, ideally in the rotating equipment, mechanical sealing, or process industries
• Proven ability to build new markets and drive revenue growth in complex, technical B2B environments
• Strong network and understanding of industrial sectors such as oil & gas, energy, or petrochemicals
• A hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with the strategic vision of a Director
• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken, is essential, additional language skills would be an added value
• Willingness to travel across Europe and occasionally to China and other regions
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners
• Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment