Business Development Manager, Performance Chemicals

OXEA

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

8 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Work-life balance

Job summary

OXEA, a global Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals manufacturer, seeks a Business Development Manager, Performance Chemicals in Houston. You will drive growth across North America, focusing on Lubricants, Functional Fluids, Automotive, Agriculture and Cosmetics.

You will combine technical know-how with commercial acumen to identify opportunities, support customer implementation, and accelerate market adoption of acids & esters, reporting to the Director of Global BD, Marketing.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or technical field; chem tech training acceptable.
5+ years in Performance Chemicals BD or related markets; strong market knowledge.
Travel up to 35–40% across North America.

Responsibilities

Drive new business development projects from opportunity to first sale; transfer to business unit.
Monitor industry trends and assess impact on Performance Chemicals portfolio and markets.
Maintain deep understanding of global/accessible markets; identify opportunities in OQC portfolio (acids and esters).
Translate chemical/tech features into clear commercial pitches for customers.
Collaborate across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Communications, Operations, and Sales.
Support customer implementation and accelerate market adoption of acids & esters.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Communication skills

Networking

Analytical skills

Project management

Problem solving

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Chemical technician training

Willingness to travel 35-40%

Job description

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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.

Location: Houston, US, 77056

Mobile work possible?: yes, hybrid

Entry Date:

Employment type: Full time

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

Bachelor Degree in Chemistry or another technical field, and/or training as a chemical technician in application technology
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

What OXEA Offers

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.