Business Manager Chemicals (experienced) F | X | M

The chemical industry is the backbone of our economy and society. From raw materials for medicines and plastics to innovative materials driving the energy transition, chemistry is indispensable. For the Netherlands and Europe, the sector is a strategic pillar and vital for employment, innovation, strategic autonomy and achieving climate goals.

The chemical industry is undergoing major transitions: sustainability, circularity, and maintaining international competitiveness. This requires vision, collaboration, and decisive action. That is why we are looking for a Senior Business Manager Chemicals with expertise, experience, and a strong network in the sector to make a real impact.

Your role

As Business Manager within the Commercial Industry team, you are at the heart of the Chemicals Action Plan for the Port of Rotterdam. You will:

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing customers, identifying what they need to continue investing and growing.
• Develop new business opportunities by facilitating co-siting and greenfield projects.
• Help build new clusters and value chains in circular and renewable chemistry.
• Act as a matchmaker between market players, government, and industry associations to accelerate progress and create impact.
• Combine strategic vision with tactical execution to ensure Rotterdam remains an attractive location, leveraging our facilitating role even without owning assets.
• Maintain a strong professional network and communicate the needs of the chemical cluster to and with the relevant stakeholders. Work also closely with existing networks, industry associations and other ports if it can strengthen the goal.

You will work closely with colleagues within your team in business management, account management, and business development, as well as with policy teams across the organization. Together, you will position the Port of Rotterdam as the leading location for renewable fuel production, circular and future-proof chemistry, and recycling facilities. With your focus specifically on the chemical industry.

What can we offer?

• Attractive, independent role: Initiative is encouraged, and your impact is immediately visible. This is your chance to make a legendary contribution to the largest port in Europe.
• Flexible workweek: Enjoy a 36-hour hybrid workweek where we promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Training and development opportunities: A wide range of courses and training programs to help you grow professionally.
• Vitality and well-being: Discounted gym membership and fresh fruit at the office.
• Competitive salary: Depending on your education and experience, we offer a starting salary of up to €6.488,- gross per month based on a 36-hour workweek, with growth potential up to€ 8.110,- per month.
• Travel allowance: Whether you travel by car, bike, or (first-class) public transport, we provide a suitable reimbursement.
• Flexible benefits budget: 19.6% on top of your gross monthly salary, made up of holiday allowance (8%), a 13th month (8.33%), vitality contribution (2.3%), and an additional budget (0.97%). You can choose to have this paid out or use it for things like a bicycle, extra pension contributions, additional leave, or further training. A sustainable investment. Individual choice budget.
• A one-year contract: both parties are satisfied after the first year, the contract will be extended by one year or converted into a permanent employment contract.
• Excellent pension scheme: With ABP (average salary system), where we cover about 70% of the premium.
• Company laptop and mobile phone: Always have the right tools at hand to do your job effectively.

For more information about our employment conditions, please refer to our collective labor agreement ( CAO) .

Departmental information

The Port of Rotterdam acts as landlord (land allocation), account manager (customer relations), business developer (allocating new customers) and matchmaker (connecting value chains, government, market, and other stakeholders). As Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam is a crucial link in the transition of the chemical industry in Europe.

The Port of Rotterdam plays a pivotal role in the chemical industry. As Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam is the hub where international chemical value chains converge. Existing clusters are strengthened, while new ones are built ranging from circular and renewable chemistry to biofuels and recycling facilities.

You will join the Industry Team, which is part of our Commercial Department. The Industry Team is made up of seven Business Managers. In total, the Commercial Department consists of six teams, each with its own focus area: Bulk, Containers, Energy, Industry, International, and Projects.

Together, these teams contribute to a safe, efficient, attractive and sustainable industrial, energy and logistical cluster by fostering strong relationships with our clients and all stakeholders across the value chain.

The Industry Team focuses on account management and business development for our clients active in the chemical industry, renewable fuel production, recycling of critical raw materials, renewable and circular chemistry, and the processing of more sustainable building materials.

As a member of this team, you engage with the needs of existing clients while also scouting opportunities and attracting new partners. In doing so, you will play a key role in the transformation and development of a future-proof industrial cluster, combining established businesses with innovative ideas and newcomers to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in the chemical industry, with a proven network in the Netherlands and Europe.
• Strategic and tactical insight to translate complex challenges into concrete actions and decisions for the port and industrial area. The ability to think creatively about strengthening value chains.
• Deep understanding and knowledge of the chemical industry and global market dynamics.
• Strong awareness of market developments and the ability to identify what is needed to retain and renew the industry. Skilled at building the right collaborations internally (e.g., with the grid congestion team) and externally (e.g., market players, industry associations, EU-level partnerships, and hinterland connections).
• Excellent communication and networking skills: you know how to connect and inspire stakeholders.
• Independence and initiative: you proactively explore opportunities, identify what is possible and with whom, and align effectively with ongoing initiatives or set up new projects and collaborations where needed.
• Account management and business development skills
• Able to actively share the strategy and vision of the Port of Rotterdam regarding this vital sector.
• You are fluent in English and Dutch.

Competencies we consider important for success in this role, are:

• Entrepreneurial Behaviour: You bring focus, set priorities, and determine goals based on a sound cost-benefit analysis. You have a good sense of the business and create and capitalize on opportunities for the Port of Rotterdam (HIC). Additionally, you openly communicate with customers about the importance of a win-win approach for all parties.

• Customer Focus: You understand the business environment in which the customer operates. You identify the core of the customer’s real needs and ensure they are met. Additionally, you’re not afraid to communicate difficult messages to the customer, demonstrating strong customer focus and a professional approach

• Influencing: You have a good understanding of others’ interests, questions, and issues, and you can anticipate people’s reactions. You are aware of how you come across to others and actively use your communication style to respond effectively to reactions and emotions, aiming for understanding and consensus. You are familiar with various communication styles.

• Strategic Action: You demonstrate insight into how your own field of work aligns with HbR’s strategy. You develop long-term objectives and activities that influence and support the strategy.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity and inclusion make our employees and our organization even stronger. That’s why we create a safe and trusted environment where we inspire, support, and learn from each other. Together, we discuss what you need to learn and perform at your best. And it doesn’t stop at talking—we turn this into concrete actions. By recruiting based on competencies, we promise to offer equal opportunities to you as an applicant. But let’s be honest: we’re not yet where we want to be. We want to keep working hard on this together with you so that you and all your (future) colleagues feel at home within our organization. So, no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you love—we look forward to receiving your application!

Want to know more? Visit our D&I webpage at: