Business Development Manager

Plastic Executive Recruiters; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Strong support structure

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

A global innovator in sustainable packaging is seeking a Business Development Manager to expand its presence in the flexible packaging sector. This role involves driving new business growth, commercializing bio-based solutions, and engaging with key stakeholders. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in technical sales, strong knowledge of flexible packaging technologies, and excellent presentation skills. The position offers competitive compensation and a chance to influence major brands towards sustainability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical sales or business development in flexible packaging.
• Strong technical knowledge of film converting and performance testing.
• Ability to engage with engineers and procurement teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business growth with converters and CPG companies.
• Commercialize bio-based and compostable film solutions.
• Lead customer engagements and deliver technical presentations.

Skills

Technical sales

Business development

Sustainability

Presentation skills

Negotiation skills

Strategic communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

A global innovator in bio-based materials and sustainable film technologies is seeking a Business Development Manager to expand its presence across the flexible packaging sector. This organization is recognized for advancing renewable, compostable, and circular polymer solutions used by converters, CPG brands, and food packaging manufacturers across North America.

This is an exceptional role for a technical commercial leader who understands PLA, biopolymers, compostable films, film converting, and sustainability-driven packaging development. You will help guide brand owners and converters in transitioning to lower-carbon, next-generation packaging solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Drive new business growth with converters, CPG companies, food manufacturers, and packaging development teams focused on sustainable materials.
• Commercialize bio-based and compostable film solutions, from initial discovery through material trials, qualification, and scaled adoption.
• Lead customer engagements involving film processing, barrier performance, end-use validation, sealability, print performance, and converting optimization.
• Deliver technical presentations emphasizing sustainability advantages such as carbon footprint reduction, compostability, recyclability, and renewable content.
• Partner with internal R&D, Applications Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial Operations to meet customer requirements and ensure successful commercialization.
• Track pipeline activity, market trends, and competitor dynamics using CRM tools.
• Represent the company at packaging conferences, sustainability forums, industry committees, and major trade events.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of technical sales or business development experience in flexible packaging films, bioplastics, PLA, cellulose films, compostable materials, or sustainable packaging technologies.
• Strong technical knowledge of film converting, extrusion, coating, lamination, barrier requirements, and performance testing.
• Ability to engage confidently with packaging engineers, R&D leaders, sustainability teams, procurement, and commercial stakeholders.
• Existing relationships with converters, CPGs, food manufacturers, or packaging innovation teams preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and strategic communication skills.
• Comfort traveling up to 50% for customer trials, visits, and events.

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

• Be part of a mission-driven organization shaping the future of renewable and compostable packaging.
• Influence major brands and converters as they transition toward circular and low-carbon materials.
• Highly strategic, technical, and customer-facing—ideal for professionals passionate about sustainability and innovation.
• Competitive compensation, strong support structure, and long-term career

Seniority Level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Business Development and Sales
• Chemical Manufacturing, Plastics Manufacturing, and Packaging and Containers Manufacturing