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
01.2025 - 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
04.2022 - 12.2024
- 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
01.2015 - 04.2022
- 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
05.2010 - 01.2015
- 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
12.2009 - 03.2010
- 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
03.2006 - 12.2009
- 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
09.2005 - 03.2006
- 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
04.2004 - 08.2005
- 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
11.2003 - 04.2004
- 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
03.2003 - 11.2003
- 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
10.2002 - 04.2003
- 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, Bulgaria10-2002
GRADUATION THESIS PREPARATION - Chemical and Food Engineering
University of Salerno
Salerno, Italy08-2002
PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP -
OMK
Plovdiv, Bulgaria07-2001
ENGLISH KNOWLEDGE -
TIT, Private english language school
Pazardjik, Bulgaria06-1998
GREDUATED HIGH MATH SCHOOL -
Matematical High School "Konstantin Velichkov"
Pazardjik, Bulgaria05-1997
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
01.2025 - Current
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA, RUSSIA, BELARUS
Jungbunzlauer AG
04.2022 - 12.2024
BUSINESS MANAGER BULGARIA
Jungbunzlauer AG
01.2015 - 04.2022
AREA SALES MANAGER
Jungbunzlauer AG
05.2010 - 01.2015
FOOD DIVISION MANAGER
Brenntag Bulgaria Ltd
12.2009 - 03.2010
PRODUCT MANAGER FOOD SPECIALTIES
Biomeda Ltd
03.2006 - 12.2009
QUALITY ASSURE
Kenar Ltd
09.2005 - 03.2006
HEAD OF QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Kenar Ltd
04.2004 - 08.2005
CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
11.2003 - 04.2004
TEHNOLOGIST
Kenar Ltd
03.2003 - 11.2003
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SPECIALIST
GIGAHERTZ LTD
10.2002 - 04.2003
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"