Business Development Manager, Performance Chemicals
About OXEA:
OXEA is a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals with around 1,200 employees worldwide. Our products are used in various applications such as paints and coatings, lubricants and functional fluids, and personal care products.
Houston, US, 77056
OXEA Corporation Company Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals
Oxo products are the core competency of OXEA Corporation. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,200 OXEA employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, and China, we produce intermediates and derivatives.
Job Purpose
The Business Development Manager, Performance Chemicals is responsible for driving the growth of OXEA's acids & esters business across North America, with a focus on Lubricants & Functional Fluids, Automotive, Agriculture, and Cosmetics applications.
This role combines technical expertise with strong commercial acumen to identify new business opportunities, support customer implementation, and accelerate market adoption of OXEA's acids & esters portfolio. Working closely with customers, this position serves as the technical and commercial liaison between OXEA and the marketplace, reporting to the Director, Global Business Development, Marketing.
The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, company policies, HSE standards, and applicable industry regulations.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
- Drive new business development projects from initial opportunity through to first sale, with a view toward transferring successful projects to the business unit
- Monitor overall industry trends and assess their impact on the existing Performance Chemicals portfolio for Lubricants & Functional Fluids, Automotive, Agriculture, and Cosmetics and potential new applications, and develop suitable measures to grow new business in relevant markets
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of both the overall global market and the accessible market for one of the above segments, identifying new business opportunities for selected products in the OQC Performance Chemicals portfolio (carboxylic acids and esters)
- Translate chemical and technical product features into clear, compelling commercial sales pitches for customers
- Collaborate within a matrix organization (R&D, Quality Management, Regulatory, Communications, Operations, Sales) to support the company's success
Education Requirements
- Degree in Chemistry or another technical field, and/or training as a chemical technician in application technology
Minimum Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in Performance Chemicals business development within Lubricants & Functional Fluids, Automotive, Agriculture, and/or Cosmetics markets and in-depth understanding of one of above markets
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 35–40% throughout North America
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven track record in developing, communicating, and implementing growth projects with customers
- Experience managing projects in complex environments across multiple regions and the broader organization
Competencies and Skills
- Strong motivation to drive new business development for OXEA
- Passion for establishing new customer contacts and acting as a results-oriented project manager focused on securing first sales
- Solid knowledge of the market relevant to the selected Performance Chemicals segment, with interest in developing formulation and application knowledge and technical solutions for customers and OXEA's product strategy
- Relevant technical experience combined with commercial ambition, strong business acumen, and a drive to succeed
- Flexibility to work within lead times and meet deadlines
- Business-minded with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to simplify complex chemical and technical concepts for a variety of audiences
- Strategic and innovative thinker with excellent communication and networking skills
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information to varied internal and external audiences
- Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing a broad geographic territory with minimal supervision
- A variety of challenging and impactful tasks, partnering with customers throughout North and South America to solve technical challenges and develop innovative solutions
- Structured onboarding and opportunities for continued professional growth
- Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package
- A collaborative, international working environment that values innovation, teamwork, and customer success
All Employees are invited to participate regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or veteran status, and any other criterion prescribed by law.
OXEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Check Out Our Benefits
- Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Equity Health Fund for health and dependent care
- Disability Benefits
- Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Work/Life Balance
- Paid Time Off for a balanced life
- Competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) plan with match and profit-sharing match
Nearest Major Market: Houston