General Manager

One of our clients is an investment group that has recently acquired a privately-owned Italian contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in chemistry. The company has over 30 years of experience in producing complex, small-volume APIs.

The headquarters are located in Milan, serving approximately 50 global customers across Europe, Japan, China, and the Americas. The firm has a strong reputation for meeting EMA, PMDA, and soon FDA standards. The new owners are investing in expanding the manufacturing capacity through a refurbished site and new reactors scheduled to come online in 18 months. Currently, the commercial upside remains largely untapped, with over 75% of sales generated through brokers and no dedicated business development team.

About You

You will be responsible for designing, building, and running the engine that converts technical excellence into double-digit revenue growth. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience closing complex B2B deals in APIs, CDMO services, or specialty chemicals. A personal network within mid- to large-pharma sourcing and procurement is essential, with a proven record of securing contract wins worth €3-10M+. Fluency in English is required; Italian is a plus but not mandatory. A builder’s mindset is crucial, as this role offers the opportunity to become part of the leadership team. It is advantageous to have a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or an MBA.

What We Offer

As part of the founding team, you will influence a profitable operating company with a credible brand and a well-established reputation. Compensation includes a competitive base salary, an aggressive performance bonus, and long-term equity upside. There is a budget approved for hiring, marketing, and global travel. You will have a direct line to the Board and the freedom to shape the commercial strategy that will define the company's next decade of growth.