Application Development Representative

This role is located in our European Technology Center (Ghent / Zwijnaarde) and requires on-site presence.

This role will help develop applications for Eastman's portfolio of sustainable polymer solutions in the many different market segments (Durables, Cosmetics, Eyewear, Medical, Packaging, …). Specific responsibilities include:

• Be the application development and technical expert for a specific or variety of market segments and its applications
• Keep up to date with market, application and processing technology developments including competitive material and competing technology developments
• Define market specific unmet needs / deficiencies knowledgeable about industry relevant secondary operations
• In-depth knowledge on co-polyester chemistry and how it relates to the end-use applications (or willingness to dive into the chemistry)
• Understanding of market trends and develop/promote innovative solutions meeting these requirements.
• Identify & document industry and customer specific unmet needs and product fitness for use criteria
• Work close to Technical Service colleagues promoting customer trials and evaluations.
• Provide technical product training to customers, distributors and sales & marketing teams
• Participate in, align with and influence the strategy of the segment team in collaboration with the marketing department.
• Support market facing Stage Gate projects and lead related technical activities internally and externally
• Responsible for material recommendations converting the voice of the customer into “Critical To Quality”-parameters driving product selection and development
• Help develop technical marketing materials for customer engagement
• Partner with Product Development team to deliver products meeting market needs and adding value to Eastman

• MSc in Polymer chemistry & processing, Material Science or Mechanical Engineering preferred
• >10-15 years industrial experience with an in-depth knowledge of specific applications and market trends
• Experience in plastic processing technologies & related secondary operations
• Experience with polymer testing and material characterization
• Excellent customer facing experience
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Experience in delivering complex technical presentations
• Project leadership experience preferred
• Marketing and/or business acumen preferred
• Demonstrated strategic and innovative thinking with a desire to solve problems
• Fluency in English is mandatory and Dutch is preferred.

It’s about growth and your long-term success. At Eastman, your career path can take many routes—each offering growth opportunities, competitive salary and benefits, and a globally growing work environment. Eastman fosters a culture of diversity steeped in teamwork and employee involvement, a place where dedicated individuals turn great ideas into materials that make a difference in everyday life. We support and encourage one another and believe that leveraging diversity in our thoughts and experiences allows us to excel in business.