Business Development Manager

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit

Profile We are seeking a highly motivated, customer-facing Business Development Manager to drive specification wins and commercial adoption of Eastman’s circular-economy offerings in downstream applications. Success in this role depends on front-end commercial capability: proactive prospecting, rapid customer influence across functions, and repeated on-site engagement. This is a high-intensity, field-first role and requires a self-directed, competitive seller who thrives on frequent travel and fast ramp-up with limited formal training.

This is a high‑touch, field‑first role requiring frequent in‑person customer engagement across account site visits and industry.

Location: Chicago, IL home base are preferred. Responsibilities

Generate and qualify target opportunities aligned with business strategy; build and execute account penetration plans.

Own front-end customer engagement: discover unmet needs, map buying processes, and influence specification decisions across procurement, R&D, operations, and senior leadership.

Drive specification wins from initial contact to hand-off: lead customer evaluation processes, steward pilots/trials, present compelling commercial and technical value, and secure adoption/specification.

Maintain a high cadence of in-person customer engagement.

Additional Responsibilities

Use public and commercial intelligence to refine market approach and prioritize accounts.

Collaborate with Account Managers and internal technical resources to ensure smooth transition and scalable delivery once opportunities move to sales.

Maintain CRM and opportunity management discipline to prioritize limited capacity and accelerate funnel movement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or PhD preferred but not required if commercial track record is strong.

5–10+ years of B2B/industrial/business development or strategic account sales with a demonstrated record of winning specifications or converting trials into production business.

Proven front-end commercial skills: prospecting, stakeholder mapping, influencing non-procurement stakeholders, negotiating specification outcomes.

Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to C-suite, operations, and technical audiences.

Proven track record of thriving in high-travel, customer-facing roles (50%+ travel) and managing heavy face-to-face cadence.

Additional Requirements

Self-starter with high drive, energy, competitive mindset, and ability to prioritize in a lean operating model.

Experience with CRM and opportunity management tools.

Experience navigating long, matrixed downstream buying processes in packaging, coatings, adhesives, or specialty polymers. (nice-to-have)

Prior success in circular-economy or sustainability-driven product commercialization. (nice-to-have)

The base salary range for this position is $96,000 to $140,000. ​

At Eastman, we are committed to transparency and integrity in our compensation practices. Eastman includes salary ranges in some job postings to provide clear compensation information and to be compliant with state laws that require disclosure. Not all postings display ranges due to factors like location, market conditions, or position specifics. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their salary questions during the interview process.

Benefits Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies • 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.

Growth & Development• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.