Now hiring! Business Development Manager
Houston, TX (Hybrid - 3 days in office, 2 remote)
We are looking for a Business Development Manager to join our Performance Chemicals team in Houston, TX.
Come create chemistry with us!
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.
As a Business Development Manager, you create chemistry by...
- 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. You will also conduct 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, while collaborating with Marketing and Technical teams to align strategies with customer needs. Additionally, you will partner 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 and representing BASF at industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums to strengthen brand awareness and generate leads. You will also understand customer formulation challenges and work 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. You will also partner with R&D and Application Technology teams to translate customer requirements into technical development briefs, as well as coordinate 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, while 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. You will also prepare executive‑level business cases and opportunity assessments for leadership approval, while monitoring market trends, regulatory changes, and sustainability requirements that impact the Plastic Additives landscape.
If you...
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline, and bring 5–8 years of professional experience in a commercial, technical, or operational role within the specialty chemicals or polymer industry. Advanced degrees will be valued.
- Demonstrate a track record of identifying and closing new business opportunities with measurable revenue impact.
- Have background preferably in one or more of the following:
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- 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.
- Exhibit 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. You will also have the ability to communicate and present effectively, engaging audiences ranging from R&D scientists to C‑suite executives and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate a self‑motivated, entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to work independently in a matrixed, global organization.
- Are proficient in CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Are able and willing to travel 25-30% of the time.
Create your own chemistry with you@BASF
At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
Just some of the many benefits we offer include:
- 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!
About us
As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!
At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.
Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF
Privacy statement
BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.
Equal employment opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
