Who are we?
Our world needs solutions, and we need them fast. A growing population and increasing standards of living drive our energy and material consumption. In order to keep global warming at bay, we need to reduce our carbon footprint substantially, in fact transition towards a climate neutral economy.
Avantium's Vision: "We believe in a fossil-free world, let's go!"
We create disruptive technologies to facilitate the sustainability change and bring them to the world with partners to accelerate the transition towards renewable and circular business.
Where do you fit in?
Within the Unit Avantium Corporate Technologies (ACT) we are working on the commercialization of Avantium's proprietary polyester Technology. This technology targets (often difficult) to synthesize new to the world copolyesters using proprietary polymerization technology using existing (commercial) monomers in existing polymerization assets.
Avantium Renewable Polymers (the BU that is commercializing FDCA and PEF) has a polymerization Pilot Plant in Geleen, which can be used to produce 10’s of kg’s of our new polyesters for sampling to partners around the globe. Avantium wants to further develop and scale-up the polymerization for commercializing selected products (e.g. via licensing) from the portfolio in the coming years. As a technology developer, Avantium's business model is to sell licenses of the PARANA Technology, which should lead to production in existing assets globally, operating eventually at large scale (>100 kta) at affordable prices. Avantium plans to attract partners in polyester value chain for strategic partnering. As Global Business Development Manager, you will join the Leadership Team of ACT. Being at the forefront of sustainable innovation you will join an international and dynamic team headquartered in Amsterdam. The Global Business Development Manager will work closely with the CTO and with the technical team.
What will you do?
The aim of the Global Business Development Manager is to bring together the strategic partners via the development of partnerships with brand owners (packaging, textiles, etc.), retail chains, fiber/textile producers, creating pull through the large, integrated value chains. In order to reach that goal, the BDM develops partnerships, communication plans and business cases in cooperation with the representatives of the partners, finally resulting in selected products from the PARANA Technology portfolio ready for scale-up and commercialization in 2025 and beyond.
A key responsibility is to develop partnerships. This also includes:
- Developing new partnerships with brand owners in packaging, fiber & textile, home decoration and technical applications.
- Translating customer needs/requirements into attractive value proposition and develop the business case with the partners.
- Putting the right commercial contracts in place with regard to goal setting, milestones, timing, resources as well as the relevant legal context (such as non-disclosure, material transfer, joint development, etc.).
Responsibilities:
- Product Branding: load the Avantium (PARANA) brands with the partners.
- Marketing & Communication: lead the marketing and communication activities globally (e.g., generating visibility, exhibitions, conferences, social media). Represent ACT at conferences with the goal of increasing the general awareness on the technologies, building relationships with external contacts and lead generation.
- Market insights: keep track of new market reports, collect relevant data, analyze and provide perspective regarding interest areas and relevance and translating market insight into strategic directions.
- Reporting: opportunity; project progress; and forecasts to the team.
- Follow up on incoming enquiries (e.g., Avantium website, network).
What do you bring?
To be successful in this role, the Business Development Manager needs to be at home in the world of polymer materials with emphasis on packaging, textiles/apparel. You understand their goals, their solutions, their challenges and way of working. Enthusiasm, resilience, a "can do mentality" and drive to make impact are the necessary skills to make our vision happen. You are a team player, because success can only be reached by working together with your colleagues, our partners and their value chain
This role is perfect for you if you have the following knowledge and Skills:
- PhD or MSc degree Chemistry/chemical engineering, with at least 5 years experience in (sustainable) polymers/plastics.
- At least 3-5 year of experience in working with customers in a commercial role.
- Demonstrated affinity in FMCG industry (e.g., packaging, apparel segment).
- Preferred: Familiar to operate in a technology driven industry, comfortable in (legal) negotiations.
- Excellent communication skills (both oral as written), PowerPoint skills, Excel skills (business case, data analysis) and LinkedIn as a sales tool
- Experience in circular concepts, recycling and branding is advantageous.
- Personal skills: Team worker, enthusiastic, critical, but can-do mentality, result-oriented, ability to work at tight deadlines.
- Languages: Company language is English. Being able to speak additional languages is desirable.
- Willingness to travel for 50% working time.
What do we offer?
Avantium is a small company with a big impact. Whilst contributing to a circular economy, we offer you a unique chance to learn a lot: in science, business and management, leading people and operations, market strategies, quality and last but not least safety. Learning paths can be steep, not depending on predefined career paths and development tracks. You are in the lead of your career, what you bring to the table will be noticed and taking initiative is rewarded and recognized. We have an informal result-oriented culture, a flat organization and we recognize and celebrate the many cultures that we represent. On top of that we offer good primary and secondary benefits.
Interested?
Let us know by applying through our website. If you have any questions you can reach our Corporate Recruiter Kylie Hoffman at kylie.hoffman@avantium.com or send a message to recruitment@avantium.com. Please note that selected candidates will be contacted in the final week of September regarding the next stage in our application process.
