Business Develop Mngr II

Business Development Manager 2 – PLA Materials

Location: Remote or Plymouth, MN (preferred)
Type: Full-time | Individual Contributor
Industry: Plastics, Packaging, Coatings, Specialty Papers

We’re not looking for a “sales rep.” We’re looking for a business builder.

NatureWorks is on a mission to revolutionize plastics through sustainable, performance-driven materials. We’re hiring a Business Development Manager to drive growth of our Ingeo™ PLA biopolymers. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, thrive on opening new doors, and are passionate about circular solutions, this role is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on climate and materials innovation.

What You'll Do
• Build it. Within your first 6 months, identify and close your top three prospects, scope out two full value chains, and develop relationships with at least three early adopter customers in each.
• Own it. Drive commercial development across targeted markets — packaging, foodservice, consumer goods, nonwovens, coatings, and more. You’ll sell to converters, brand owners, and end users.
• Create the pipeline. This role comes with no existing book of business. You'll actively generate leads through prospecting, cold/warm outreach, and industry events like trade shows and conferences.
• Influence the value chain. Engage with all stakeholders — converters, downstream processors, and end users — to articulate the performance and environmental value of Ingeo™ PLA.
• Negotiate and close. Lead contract discussions with direct customers and downstream users, driving sales growth, gross margin, and volume expansion.
• Strategize with purpose. Work closely with technical, commercial, and supply chain teams to align our development efforts with what customers truly want to buy.
• Expand our impact. Foster strategic partnerships and establish new channels to scale adoption of Ingeo™ PLA globally.

What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months
• Scoped two full value chains for specific product-market combinations, identifying all relevant buyers, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Cultivated relationships with at least 3 early adopter customers in each value chain and gathered industrialization feedback from end users and downstream players.
• Met or exceeded your jointly defined sales target.
• Aligned expansion plans with partner customers.
• Integrated seamlessly with the internal team using established collaboration tools.

What We’re Looking For:

Required Skills & Experience
• 7+ years’ experience in business development or B2B sales, including demonstrated success in bringing in new business (not just account management).
• Strong understanding of plastics transformation processes or relevant chemical/material applications.
• Industry experience in plastics, coatings or specialty papers.
• Motivated by autonomy and energized by tackling ambiguity — this is a role for hunters, not gatherers.

Key Competencies
• Entrepreneurial, “go-getter” attitude with a track record of proactive execution.
• Creative, curious, and driven to uncover unmet customer needs.
• Strong communication and presentation skills — comfortable on stage and in boardrooms.
• Effective listener who actively transfers insights to the broader team.
• Competitive mindset paired with collaborative instincts.
• Adaptable to dynamic market conditions and excited by rapid change.
• Comfortable generating interest in a product or solution that may not yet exist.

Work Environment & Travel
• Open to remote candidates; Minneapolis, MN preferred.
• Up to 50% travel to customer sites, conferences, and strategic meetings.
• Standard office/remote setup; occasional after-hours work expected.
• Requires use of standard business software and tools.

Why Join NatureWorks?

At NatureWorks, you’ll help sell products with purpose — high-performance, renewable biopolymers that help the world’s leading brands reduce their environmental footprint. We operate with the agility of a startup and the strength of a global leader. If you’re ready to build something from the ground up — and make an immediate, lasting difference — we want to hear from you.

Compensation & Benefits

At NatureWorks, we believe great business builders should be rewarded accordingly. Our compensation package is designed to support high performers who create new revenue and value across the plastics, packaging, and specialty materials industries.
• Base Salary: $125,000-$140,000
• Commission/Bonus: Up to $100,000

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 160 hours vacation, plus paid holidays, sick time, and family sick leave
• Parental leave and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Robust retirement plan with 5.5% automatic company contribution and a 50% match on the first 6% of employee contributions
• Car allowance

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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