Business Development Manager, Human Health BioSolutions, Japan

Interested in a career that matters?

At Novonesis, we use the power of biology to create sustainable solutions that make a real difference for people and the planet. You will join our Human Health Biosolutions organization, working closely with regional and global colleagues to grow our presence in the Early Life Nutrition / Infant Formula market in Japan.
In this role, you will help translate customer needs into impactful business opportunities and contribute directly to long‑term growth through probiotics and HMO solutions.

The Role & Your Impact

As Business Development Manager, Human Health Biosolutions, you will drive business development and commercial growth in Japan, with a strong focus on probiotics and HMO for Early Life Nutrition customers. The role is a mixed strategic and operational position, requiring close collaboration with customers and cross‑functional teams.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Driving business development activities for probiotics and HMO in the Japanese market
• Identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities with infant formula and early life nutrition customers
• Building and executing customer engagement plans to support short‑ and long‑term growth
• Developing strategic partnerships with customers and potential distributors
• Supporting the development and execution of the Japan HMO strategy and local portfolio positioning
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments and sharing insights internally
• Working closely with Product Design, Application, Business Support, Marketing, and regional teams
• Translating technical and product information into clear customer value propositions
• Contributing to a customer‑centric, proactive, and entrepreneurial commercial culture

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

To be successful in this role, you bring:

• A minimum BSc degree, preferably in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant industry experience in business development, sales, key account management, or commercial strategy
• Strong understanding of the Japanese market, including customer needs, market dynamics, and industry trends
• Proven experience in commercial roles within food, nutrition, life science, or related industries
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders to identify and realize growth opportunities
• Native‑level Japanese and business‑proficient English, written and spoken

Key competencies include:

• Strong commercial acumen and customer focus
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to work independently and drive impact without formal authority
• A proactive, accountable, and entrepreneurial mindset

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

It is an advantage if you also have:

• Experience in technical sales, product development projects, or application support
• Knowledge of Early Life Nutrition, Infant Formula, Probiotics, HMO, dietary supplements, or related categories
• Understanding of infant formula manufacturing processes, formulation, and ingredient functionality
• Experience collaborating with R&D, Product Design, Application, Regulatory, or Marketing teams

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you will find:

• A purpose‑driven organization where your work contributes to better health and sustainability
• Opportunities to work with leading experts in biosolutions and nutrition
• A collaborative, international environment with strong cross‑functional teamwork
• Room for professional growth and development in a global organization

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• This role is based in Japan, with significant customer and stakeholder interaction.
• You should expect approximately 40% travel, including both domestic and international travel.

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career

Global biosolutions company formed from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, specializing in industrial enzymes, microorganisms, and bioscience innovation. Headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

novonesis.com