Business Development Manager

BASF SE•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to join our Performance Chemicals team in Houston, TX. As an innovative partner, BASF’s Performance Chemicals division offers chemicals for various customer industries, such as plastics, automotive, refining, lubricants, oilfield and mining. Our highly qualified and experienced team with outstanding market knowledge as well as our innovation platform and application know-how ensure our technological competence to provide excellent solutions to our customers. As a Business Development Manager, you will be responsible of growing the Plastic Additives business by identifying, developing, and converting new market opportunities across the USA and Canada. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in polymer processing/applications, and act as a bridge between cross-functional teams (marketing, technical, sales) to create and accelerate new revenue streams for both upstream and downstream customers focused on Niche Anti-Oxidants, UVAs, Flame retardants, and others. This role requires a proactive self-starter with a deep understanding of specialty chemicals, polymer science, or related industrial markets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
5–8 years of professional experience in a commercial, technical, or operational role within the specialty chemicals or polymer industry.
Track record of identifying and closing new business opportunities with measurable revenue impact.
Background preferably in one or more of the following: Product Management (owning a product portfolio, conducting market analysis, defining pricing strategy, and driving product launches), Sales & Key Account Management (proven ability to develop customer relationships, manage complex sales cycles, and negotiate commercial terms), Supply Chain / Operations (experience in demand planning, logistics coordination, or manufacturing interfaces within a chemical or related environment), Chemical Industry Experience (prior exposure to specialty chemicals, performance materials, or plastic compounding operations, with an understanding of formulation requirements).
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build compelling business cases and value propositions, supported by an analytical mindset and proficiency in market research, financial modelling, and data interpretation.
Ability to communicate and present effectively, engaging audiences ranging from R&D scientists to C‑suite executives and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
Self‑motivated, entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to work independently in a matrixed, global organization.
Proficient in CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Able and willing to travel 25-30% of the time.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees will be valued.

Responsibilities

Identifying, evaluating, and developing new business opportunities across upstream and downstream plastic and polymer industries, while building and maintaining a robust pipeline of new leads and managing opportunities from start to finish.
Conducting market segmentation and competitive landscape analysis to prioritize high‑value growth areas for both existing and new product launches.
Developing and executing go‑to‑market strategies for new Plastic Additives products in partnership with Sales and Marketing.
Collaborating with Marketing and Technical teams to align strategies with customer needs.
Partnering with Sales to negotiate and close commercial agreements, including pricing, volume commitments, and long‑term supply contracts to drive sustainable growth.
Serving as the primary commercial point of contact for new and prospective customers by building trusted, long‑term partnerships.
Representing BASF at industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums to strengthen brand awareness and generate leads.
Understanding customer formulation challenges and working closely with technical teams to help develop solutions leveraging BASF’s plastic additives portfolio.
Collaborating across functions to enable successful business development and execution by working closely with Product Management to align new business priorities with portfolio strategy and innovation roadmaps.
Partnering with R&D and Application Technology teams to translate customer requirements into technical development briefs.
Coordinating with Marketing Communications to develop targeted collateral, case studies, and value propositions for new segments.
Ensuring operational alignment and readiness for growth initiatives by collaborating with Supply Chain and Operations to confirm supply readiness for new business wins.
Supporting cross‑functional coordination to deliver on customer commitments and business objectives.
Tracking performance and enabling data‑driven decision making by monitoring new business pipeline metrics, revenue forecasts, and KPIs using CRM tools such as Salesforce.
Preparing executive‑level business cases and opportunity assessments for leadership approval.
Monitoring market trends, regulatory changes, and sustainability requirements that impact the Plastic Additives landscape.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits
Access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best
Benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!