Business Develop Mngr II
About The Position
NatureWorks is transforming the plastics industry through Ingeo™ biopolymers, innovative materials made from renewable resources that help brands and manufacturers reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics. We're looking for a Business Development Manager III to help accelerate adoption of sustainable materials across packaging, foodservice, consumer products, fibers, nonwovens, and emerging applications. This is an opportunity to build something. You'll identify new applications, develop new customer relationships, and help bring innovative sustainable solutions to market. Success requires curiosity, initiative, technical credibility, and the ability to turn opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- An interest in developing new business in a highly dynamic sector
- Background in plastics, polymers, packaging, specialty materials, chemicals, or related industries.
- A willingness to learn technical business development skills to augment your existing technical abilities
- Experience with biopolymer materials or plastic manufactured articles made of biopolymer resins.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly learn new materials, applications, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics.
- Ability to engage effectively with engineers, product developers, operations leaders, procurement teams, and executive decision-makers.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of working independently and turning opportunities into commercial results.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage customer relationships, opportunities, forecasts, and follow-through.
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning in evolving markets and technologies.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Nice To Haves
- Commercialization of new materials, products, or technologies.
- Development of new markets, applications, or strategic customer segments.
- Experience working within complex manufacturing, packaging, or materials value chains.
- Background in polymers, packaging, sustainable materials, specialty chemicals, additives, compounds, coatings, or related industries.
- Success influencing technical and business stakeholders throughout the buying process.
Responsibilities
- Identify and develop new business opportunities for Ingeo™ biopolymers.
- Build relationships with converters, manufacturers, brand owners, and other value chain partners.
- Lead technical and commercial discussions that move opportunities from concept to commercialization.
- Create and manage a robust pipeline through prospecting, networking, industry events, and customer engagement.
- Collaborate with technical, product development, and operations teams to bring innovative solutions to market.
- Influence business strategy through customer insights and market intelligence.
- Represent NatureWorks at customer meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
- Manage opportunities from first conversation through commercialization.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 180 hours vacation, plus paid holidays, sick time, and family sick leave
- Retirement plan with 5.5% automatic company contribution and a 50% match on the first 6% of employee contributions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
