Business Development Manager - Specialty Chemicals (USA)

Location

United States (Remote with travel across North America)

About the Company

Our client is a leading manufacturer of bio-based specialty chemicals, supplying sustainable and high-performance ingredients to a wide range of industrial markets. Their innovative portfolio serves customers across CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers), Personal Care, Home Care, Paints & Coatings, and Agrochemicals. As they continue to expand their North American presence, they are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to lead commercial growth across key markets.

Position Overview

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving revenue growth, identifying new business opportunities, and developing strategic customer relationships across the United States. This role will focus on expanding market share within CASE, personal care, home care, paints & coatings, and agrochemical applications.

The successful candidate will bring a strong specialty chemicals background, proven business development experience, and an established network within relevant end-use markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a business development strategy for the North American market.
• Identify, target, and secure new customers across CASE, personal care, home care, paints & coatings, and agrochemical sectors.
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting through contract negotiation and account growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with formulators, manufacturers, distributors, and key industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with technical, product management, and R&D teams to support customer projects.
• Conduct market analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and competitive activity.
• Deliver technical and commercial presentations to customers and industry partners.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and customer events.
• Prepare forecasts, maintain CRM data, and provide regular sales activity reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of commercial experience within specialty chemicals.
• Proven track record in business development, technical sales, or key account management.
• Experience selling raw materials, additives, orspecialty ingredients into one or more of the following sectors:
  • CASE
  • Paints & Coatings
  • Personal Care
  • Home Care
  • Agrochemicals
• Strong understanding of formulation-driven sales processes and value-based selling.
• Existing network of industry contacts within the North American chemicals market.
• Ability to manage complex sales cycles and strategic customer relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bio-based, renewable, or sustainable chemical technologies.
• Established relationships with major formulators, manufacturers, and distributors across North America.
• Technical background combined with strong commercial acumen.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary and bonus structure.
• Long-term career progression within a growing international business.
• Opportunity to work with innovative sustainable technologies.
• Flexible remote working environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Ideal Profile: A commercially driven specialty chemicals professional with 10+ years of experience developing business across CASE, personal care, home care, paints & coatings, and agrochemicals, who is passionate about bringing sustainable, bio-based solutions to market.