Business Development Lead

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in more than 50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3 billion euros.

For over 30 years, Lesaffre has been involved in Human Health & Nutrition as part of its ambition to Better Nourish and Protect the Planet. In November 2018, Lesaffre acquired Gnosis Advanced Biotech and officially combined it with Lesaffre Human Care to form a new Business Unit named Gnosis by Lesaffre.

Gnosis by Lesaffre aims to raise the standard of human health and build a world where proactive health solutions empower people to live longer, happier lives.

By exploring the world of microorganisms, we tap into nature’s biological processes to develop solutions that address pressing health challenges while promoting positive impact on both human and planetary health.

Together with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical brands, we develop revolutionary products that help their customers thrive.

Our vision is a future where health is proactive, solutions are sustainable, and the timeless wisdom of nature guides every step forward.

Think like Nature to Raise human health.

Within the Strategy & Innovation department, the Business Development and Strategic Competitive Intelligence team is a key contributor to the transformative journey initiated by Gnosis towards a 2030 high growth ambition.

The team sets the competitive landscape, identifies, evaluates, and recommends opportunities of external growth together with the appropriate business model, from licensing to partnership, or acquisition, and hence supports the dynamic of the innovation pipeline of Gnosis by Lesaffre, in line with its high strategic ambitions.

The Business Development Lead will report to the Innovation Scouting and Business Development Director and will work in a highly collaborative environment of diverse, interdisciplinary teams composed of Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical industry experts, within a Business Unit embracing a "blue culture" - a human synergistic model that fosters cross-functional teamwork and shared ownership.

In this position your main missions will be:

1. Identification and Evaluation of Potential Acquisition Targets:

• Establish detailed profiles of potential acquisition targets, thoroughly evaluating their product portfolios, technological capabilities, scientific expertise, and strategic positioning.
• Assess the strategic fit and complementarities between the acquisition targets and Gnosis by Lesaffre's existing ingredients, innovation pipeline, and overall business strategy.
• Identify potential synergies that could be leveraged to strengthen Gnosis' competitive advantage and market presence.

2. Pipeline Monitoring and Reporting:

• Contribute to maintaining a comprehensive pipeline of potential acquisition opportunities, continuously updating the status and progress of each project.
• Contribute to preparing regular reports and presentations for the leadership team, highlighting key insights, recommendations, and the overall status of the acquisition pipeline.

3. High-Level Market Research and Competitive Analysis:

• Participate in conducting comprehensive market studies to understand the competitive landscape, industry trends, and growth opportunities in the relevant nutrition and health ingredients sectors in close collaboration with the Strategic Competitive Intelligence, Marketing and Innovation teams’ members.
• Evaluate the market's size in which the target operates, its growth potential, and the key success factors to assess the adequation and viability of the acquisition.

4. Development of Business Cases for Acquisition Scenarios:

• Participate in building ranking of acquisition opportunities in line with Gnosis’ strategy to ease prioritization process.
• Participate in building robust business cases to support the most promising acquisition opportunities in close collaboration with Commercial, Marketing, and R&D teams.

• Advanced degree (master's) in a scientific field related to nutrition or life sciences, preferably combined with a Commercial or Marketing degree.
• Experience (3-5 years) in technical /commercial roles within the nutrition and health ingredients industry (preferably in B2B environment) or in consulting firms in the field.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific insights into strategic business opportunities.
• Experience in conducting high-level market research, competitive analysis, and developing compelling business cases.
• Understanding of the functional properties, health benefits, of ingredients used in dietary supplement applications is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and to effectively communicate information, and coordinate tasks.
• French is an asset, proficiency in English is essential.
• Openminded and eager to work in a highly collaborative environment where culture is key to perform.

At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.