Application Development Manager

Avantium is an innovation-driven pioneer in the emerging industry of renewable and sustainable chemistry. We offer unique technological solutions to reduce plastic waste, new chemical processes for the bio-based economy and R&D equipment and services to accelerate the development of new catalytic processes.
Most of the materials and chemicals used in modern daily life – such as plastics, packaging, furniture and clothing – are based on fossil resources like oil, gas and coal. Changing this paradigm is an ambitious goal but also a promise for a better future. This is why we at Avantium work on developing practical solutions to accelerate the transition to a fossil-free world.

We do this by focusing on innovative plant-based chemicals and materials as well as aiming to convert carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to a valuable resource for sustainable products. Avantium’s Volta Technology is a platform technology that uses electrochemistry to convert CO 2 to high value chemical building blocks and polymers.
Avantium intends to spin out Volta Technology into a new business entity, in which Avantium will remain a shareholder. This position will form part of the new Volta Technology company and not of Avantium N.V.
We are looking for an Application Development Manager who will be responsible for the application development of our Volta products, with a focus on PLGA, a CO2 based polymer with exceptional technical performance that will be applied in the packaging industry. The Application Development Manager will report to the Chief Product Officer.
Responsibilities  The key objective of the Application Development Manager is to manage application development programs that support the develop, scale-up and commercialization of the Volta Technology.
Collaborate with customers and internal and external R&D laboratories
Maintain and grow a network of partner labs and manage outsourced projects for application & product development
Serve as technical interface between the customer and our Business Development during sample validation phase, and oversee and attend trials at customers
Develop application development reports/ brochures ensuring scientific excellence and clarity, with an emphasis on translating the implications to business purposes.
Maintain a knowledge base of competitive position industrial practices & standards for PLGA in the target application areas, thereby developing the (technical part of the) customer business case with Business Development in all markets of interest.
Conceptualize and initiate product development projects with (external) partners based on customer needs and feedback
Be responsible for activities related to all technical product compliance, statements, and registrations (regulatory affairs) together with the support from regulatory and business development colleagues.
Support the business unit in grant applications and execution of awarded projects.
Represent Avantium at conferences: build relationships with external contacts and lead generation: scout opportunities for meaningful partnerships from an application development perspective.
What do you bring?
Bachelors, Master’s or PhD degree in chemistry/polymer/engineering, or in general (applied) - science
At least 5 years of relevant work experience
Experience in application development or technical sales in polymer film/sheet extrusion, paper coating, plastic packaging development or similar

Experience with biobased polymers is highly preferred
The ability to communicate clearly, transferring complex information both verbally and in writing to a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
The ability to analyse and summarize complex technical data into overviews and actionable insights to diverse stakeholders
The ability and eagerness to initiate, develop and maintain relationships with prospects, partners, industry groups and associations

Languages:

Fluent in English, being able to speak more languages is desirable
You are willing to travel up to 30-50% of your time
What do we offer?  As we are a small company, we also offer you a unique chance to learn a lot about many fields, not only science, but also business and management, leading people and operations, market strategies, quality and last but not least safety. Learning paths can be steep and we do not offer you predefined career paths and development tracks.

You are in the lead of your career, what you bring to the table will be noticed and taking initiative is rewarded and recognized. We have an informal culture, a flat organization and we recognize and celebrate the many cultures that we represent. And on top of that we offer good primary and secondary benefits.

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