Become head of sales at axabio

General information

Location: Hemiksem, Belgium
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Language requirement: Dutch (very good), English (very good), French (very good)
Driving license: Category B
Education: Master Degree or equivalent through experience

About axabio

At axabio, we believe technology and nature can work hand in hand to improve the health of people and the planet. Based in Belgium, we cultivate microalgae using patented flat-panel bioreactor technology to produce natural astaxanthin, the world’s most powerful antioxidant, with unmatched purity and stability. Our products support food supplements and cosmetics worldwide.

We are a purpose-driven biotech, turning science into tangible value, and are looking for people who want to grow with us.

The Role

Sales at axabio is not about pushing a raw material. It’s about offering solutions for the customer that go from first idea to product launch. Every conversation starts with curiosity, understanding what moves someone, what challenges they face, and how we can genuinely help.

As Head of Sales, you will lead this effort. Reporting directly to the CEO, Jonas De Cooman, you will shape and execute our commercial strategy with authenticity and empathy at the core. You’ll open new markets, nurture trusted partnerships, and build a sales culture that thrives on curiosity, listening, and offering tailored solutions. You will start as the only sales person, with the trajectory of hiring a team within the next 2 - 3 years.

What You’ll Do

Craft and deliver the commercial strategy to accelerate growth in nutraceutical and cosmetic markets.
Work hand in hand with product and marketing to position axabio as a trusted, research-driven partner. Marketing will source you a list of MQLs where your role will be to take these through the funnel (SQL, SQO) in order to eventually close the deal.
Build strong, human relationships with customers: Person to person, not company to company.
Mentor and grow a small team, creating a culture of openness, empathy, and excellence. Not from day 1, but certainly part of the plan.
Represent axabio with authenticity, both in customer conversations and on international stages. The ultimate goal of this representation function is to work towards the sales targets.
Build internal sales processes: set out meaningful KPIs, tracking systems, sales documents, and customer roadmaps.

Desired Experience

Proven track record in B2B sales, ideally in life sciences, biotech, nutraceuticals, or related fields.
Strong ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders (formulators, R&D leaders, brand managers).
Demonstrated success in both new business development and long-term account growth.
In case your experience does not match the points above, but you are excited about the role, please do still consider applying. Mindset matters more than experience.

Core Competencies

Curiosity: you’re deeply interested in people and their challenges.
Authenticity: you sell by caring, listening, and helping.
Strategic Vision: you see the bigger picture while delivering measurable growth.
Scientific Literacy: you can translate technical detail into clear, meaningful value.
Emotional Intelligence: you connect with people, and adapt to context.
Growth Mindset: eager to learn, experiment, and develop as axabio scales.
Agility: comfortable working in a fast-moving and entrepreneurial environment with quarterly targets.
Structured: managing a CRM in a structured and complete manner does not scare you (we use Hubspot).

Why Join axabio?

Purpose with Impact: Help bring technology and nature together for healthier people and the planet.
High Level of Responsibility: Straight from the start you will shape the business development of the company.
Speed of Execution: The fast-paced environment of axabio does not come with red tape. There is freedom to try things out, fail, and learn.
Personal Growth: Develop alongside a company where authenticity and curiosity are at the heart of everything.
Competitive Compensation: A competitive wage package and performance incentives.

At axabio, we give you autonomy, expect accountability, and value a growth mindset, because we’re action-oriented, ambitious, and focused on hitting our targets together.

We are an inclusive and respectful workplace: axabio applies an equal opportunity policy. Decisions regarding hiring, promotion, training, and employment conditions are made without distinction of origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, philosophical or religious belief, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an environment where every employee has equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

How to Apply

Send us your CV and motivation letter to emma.hanegraef@axabio.com or supply click the below button.