AAK

Business Development Manager – Candles AMEA

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.

AAK LOCATION

This position is based at AAK Kuala Lumpur or Singapore

About the role

The Business Development Manager, Candles AMEA will lead the commercial expansion of AAK’s candle business across the region. This role is accountable for shaping and executing the AMEA candle strategy, strengthening key customer and distributor partnerships, and driving sustainable, profitable growth. As the regional industry lead, the position ensures effective market penetration and alignment with AAK’s global priorities to establish AAK as a preferred partner in the candle sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the AMEA candle strategy in alignment with AAK’s global objectives.
• Manage and grow key accounts across priority markets, including China, ANZ, India, and Vietnam.
• Support distributors and local AAK sales teams to strengthen market presence and customer engagement.
• Identify and drive new business opportunities to expand the customer base across the region.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms in line with profitability and growth targets.
• Provide market intelligence and insights on trends, competitors, and customer needs.
• Represent AAK at industry events, trade shows, and customer seminars to enhance visibility and partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with Customer Innovation and Operations teams to deliver customer-focused solutions and projects.
• Ensure strong alignment and collaboration with the Global Business Development Manager, Candles.
• Serve as the category lead for Candles within the AMEA region, driving strategic and commercial initiatives.

About you

• 8–10 years of commercial or business development experience, ideally within candles, waxes, chemicals, or related industries.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with a strong track record of driving revenue and margin growth.
• Proven experience managing distributors and key accounts across multiple AMEA markets.
• Skilled in account planning, negotiation, pricing strategy, and value-based selling.
• Deep understanding of the wax and/or candle industry, including supply chain, technology, and customer needs.
• Established networks within the candles sector or adjacent chemical/wax industries across APAC and AMEA.
• Experience supporting customer innovation and co-development projects is advantageous.
• Fluent in English and Mandarin is , additional regional languages are a plus but not essential.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with a focus on top-line growth.
• Experienced in business planning, forecasting, and pipeline management.
• Effective in cross-regional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong customer relationship management and account leadership skills.
• Proficient in project management and delivering customer-focused solutions.

In return AAK offers

• Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
• In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
• AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
• You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
• Join an inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

Contact and information

For further information about the position, please contact our Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Conor Kelly by email: conor.kelly@aak.com

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

AAK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace, where all employees are treated with respect and without discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected under Malaysian or Singaporean law.

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