Business Development Manager- Custom Catalyst

Job ID: 41209 | Location: Houston, Texas, USA | Expected Salary Range*: $95,940.00 - $127,920.00 | Work Model: Remote

The Business Development Manager drives growth within the Custom Catalyst business segment by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities. This role uniquely blends commercial strategy with technical collaboration, partnering closely with customers, R&D, and Technical Service teams to evaluate and advance tailored catalyst solutions. You'll build enduring customer relationships, lead contract negotiations, and guide projects from initial opportunity through successful commercialization. As a key market-facing representative, you'll champion our custom value proposition, stay ahead of industry trends and competitive dynamics, and play a vital role in expanding our business footprint.

Clariant Custom Catalysts partners with customers to develop, scale, and manufacture tailored catalyst solutions; transforming laboratory innovations into commercial production for chemical, petrochemical, and energy applications. In this role, you'll engage with a diverse portfolio spanning global industry leaders to agile, innovative start-ups, bringing specialized solutions to life across the full spectrum of the catalyst market. This is a remote position with preference for candidates based in or near Louisville, KY or Houston, TX.

Responsibilities

• Generate and qualify new business opportunities for Custom Catalyst solutions, building a strong and sustainable sales pipeline
• Lead the commercial and technical evaluation of new opportunities in collaboration with R&D and Technical Service teams
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across customer organizations
• Conduct regular customer visits and sales calls to understand needs, present solutions, and drive engagement
• Prepare and deliver commercial proposals, including pricing, terms, and conditions, ensuring alignment with margin targets
• Manage forecasting, sales tracking, and pipeline reporting using CRM and internal systems
• Lead negotiation and execution of confidentiality agreements, project agreements, and supply contracts in collaboration with legal and leadership
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams to support scale-up, commercialization, and successful delivery of customer solutions
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and inform strategy
• Represent the business at industry conferences, customer meetings, and through digital channels to promote the Custom Catalyst value proposition
• Build and maintain technical knowledge through ongoing collaboration with R&D and operations teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred
• 2-5+ years of experience in the chemical or petrochemical industry (technical and/or commercial roles)
• Experience in business development, sales, or account management
• Ability to manage customer relationships and commercial activities, including proposals and negotiations
• Willingness to travel up to ~30% (with potential for higher travel based on business needs

What's in it for you?

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
• Paid Holidays
• PTO time with a carry-over benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• EAP Program
• Spending and Savings Accounts
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Online discount Mall
• Auto/Home Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Legal Services Plan
• *Includes base salary and annual incentive bonus; final offer based on skills, experience and internal equity.

Hannah Andrepont
Talent Acquisition Manager Americas
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Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.
At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status ,age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

Clariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.

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