Elena Savova
Sofia,Sofia
Summary
Results-oriented Business Development Manager with expertise in specialty ingredients and strategic account management in Eastern Europe. Transforms technical challenges into commercial opportunities through market intelligence, value proposition development, and strategic partnerships. Drives collaboration among cross-functional teams to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies in cosmetics and personal care as well as life sciences.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER BULGARIA, EASTERN EUR
Jungbunzlauer AG
Vienna
2025.01 - Current
- Held full commercial responsibility for Food & Non-Food business in Bulgaria, driving revenue growth and market presence.
- Driving Business Development for Food & Non-Food markets across CIS (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia).
- Leading Business Development for Cosmetics & Personal Care customers across Eastern Europe.
- Established strategic partnerships with direct customers and distributors, enhancing their business expansion and uncovering new market opportunities.
- Developed market entry and growth strategies, aligning with emerging trends and addressing unmet customer needs.
- Leading commercial negotiations, pricing strategy, distribution development and key account management.
- Translating customer challenges into value-driven technical and commercial solutions.
- Collaborating with global marketing, technical and business teams to accelerate the commercialization of innovative specialty ingredient solutions.
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA, RUSSIA, BELARUS
Jungbunzlauer AG
Vienna
2022.04 - 2024.12
- Negotiated pricing, managed customer relationships, and oversaw key accounts to strengthen market position.
- Aligned distribution strategies with business targets to optimise market reach and customer engagement.
- Expanded Jungbunzlauer product presence in Bulgarian market, increasing brand visibility.
- Managed distribution logistics to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Engaged actively in various sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, construction, and polymers.
- New product development and management.
- Utilised SAP, CRM, and BW systems for efficient data management and reporting.
- Administrative function for Russia and Belarus.
- Website: www.jungbunzlauer.com
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA
Jungbunzlauer AG
Oradea
2015.01 - 2022.04
- Managed price negotiations, fostered customer relationships, and oversaw key accounts to drive sales growth.
- Expanded market presence for Jungbunzlauer products in Bulgaria, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Developed and optimised distribution network to improve product availability across Bulgaria.
- Engaged with food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, detergent, construction, and polymer sectors to identify business opportunities.
- Product development and management.
- Utilised SAP, CRM, and BW systems for efficient data management and reporting.
- Website: www.jungbunzlauer.com
AREA SALES MANAGER
Jungbunzlauer AG
2010.05 - 2015.01
- Developed market strategies for the entire Jungbunzlauer portfolio, enhancing market presence.
- Implementation of the company's business and market strategies.
- Built customer relationships through regular visits and effective product presentations, driving sales growth.
- Conducted market research to identify key insights and trends that informed strategic decisions.
- Development of the business plan and sales.
- Identified and resolved operational challenges to enhance efficiency.
- Working with SAP System, CRM and Business Warehouse.
FOOD DIVISION MANAGER
Brenntag Bulgaria Ltd
Sofia
2009.12 - 2010.03
- Developed food division strategy to align with market trends and consumer preferences.
- Executed strategic plans that advanced organisational objectives and supported growth.
- Conducted product and customer research to inform development and enhance offerings.
- New product development.
- Developed annual budgets to allocate resources effectively.
- Oversaw customer relationships to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed company website to provide information and updates.
PRODUCT MANAGER FOOD SPECIALTIES
Biomeda Ltd
Plovdiv
2006.03 - 2009.12
- Product development.
- Market research and analyses.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to secure favourable conditions.
- Imported products from diverse suppliers, ensuring optimal inventory levels.
- Key accounts management.
- Fulfilment of the budget plan.
- Working with SAP System and CRM System.
- Managed website content and updates, improving user engagement.
QUALITY ASSURE
Kenar Ltd
Sofia
2005.09 - 2006.03
- Ensured compliance with GMP regulations in production processes to uphold product quality and safety standards.
- Followed standard operating procedures during daily operations to maintain consistency and reliability.
- Created and updated company website to enhance online visibility and engagement.
HEAD OF QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Kenar Ltd
Sofia
2004.04 - 2005.08
- Led team of quality managers to enhance quality assurance processes.
- Implemented GMP and HACCP to ensure compliance and improve product safety.
- Developed and maintained company website www.kenar.bg
CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
Sofia
2003.11 - 2004.04
- Supervising the technologists and workers in the production.
- Managed working process of 100+ employees to ensure operational efficiency.
- Executed production plan by coordinating resources and schedules.
- Organised production processes for 2 plants to optimise workflow.
- Prepared production schedules to align resources with production targets.
- Development and implementation of new recipes.
- Website: www.kenar.bg
TEHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
2003.03 - 2003.11
- Implemented established production plan to meet production targets.
- Oversaw production process to identify and address efficiency improvements.
- Developed production schedules and plans.
- Streamlined supplier intake process to enhance operational readiness.
- Adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Website: www.kenar.bg
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SPECIALIST
GIGAHERTZ LTD
Plovdiv
2002.10 - 2003.04
- Installed and maintained hardware and software to ensure optimal performance.
- Performed computer repairs and upgrades to enhance system functionality.
- Assembled computers customised to client specifications.
- Developed and maintained company website to enhance online presence.
Education
MASTER OF BIOTECHNOLOGY - Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry (Organic, Analytic, Inorganic)
University of Food technology
Plovdiv, Bulgaria2002-10
GRADUATION THESIS PREPARATION - Chemical and Food Engineering
University of Salerno
Salerno, Italy2002-08
PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP -
OMK
Plovdiv, Bulgaria2001-07
ENGLISH KNOWLEDGE -
TIT, Private english language school
Pazardjik, Bulgaria1998-06
GREDUATED HIGH MATH SCHOOL -
Matematical High School "Konstantin Velichkov"
Pazardjik, Bulgaria1997-05
Skills
- Strategic Business Development
- Market expansion
- Strategic Partnership Development
- New product Commercialization
- Key Account Management
- Negotiation strategy
- Solution selling
- Distribution Development & Coaching
- Cross-cultural Business Development
- SAP/Salesforce/BW
- Analytical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Relationship Building
- Technical innovation translation
Timeline
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER BULGARIA, EASTERN EUR
Jungbunzlauer AG
2025.01 - Current
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA, RUSSIA, BELARUS
Jungbunzlauer AG
2022.04 - 2024.12
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA
Jungbunzlauer AG
2015.01 - 2022.04
AREA SALES MANAGER
Jungbunzlauer AG
2010.05 - 2015.01
FOOD DIVISION MANAGER
Brenntag Bulgaria Ltd
2009.12 - 2010.03
PRODUCT MANAGER FOOD SPECIALTIES
Biomeda Ltd
2006.03 - 2009.12
QUALITY ASSURE
Kenar Ltd
2005.09 - 2006.03
HEAD OF QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Kenar Ltd
2004.04 - 2005.08
CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
2003.11 - 2004.04
TEHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
2003.03 - 2003.11
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SPECIALIST
GIGAHERTZ LTD
2002.10 - 2003.04
MASTER OF BIOTECHNOLOGY - Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry (Organic, Analytic, Inorganic)
University of Food technology
GRADUATION THESIS PREPARATION - Chemical and Food Engineering
University of Salerno
PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP -
OMK
ENGLISH KNOWLEDGE -
TIT, Private english language school
GREDUATED HIGH MATH SCHOOL -
Matematical High School "Konstantin Velichkov"