Business Development Manager- Custom Catalyst

Job ID: 41209 | Location: Houston, Texas, USA | Expected Salary Range*: $95,940.00 - $127,920.00 | Work Model: RemoteThe 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.ResponsibilitiesGenerate and qualify new business opportunities for Custom Catalyst solutions, building a strong and sustainable sales pipelineLead the commercial and technical evaluation of new opportunities in collaboration with R&D and Technical Service teamsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across customer organizationsConduct regular customer visits and sales calls to understand needs, present solutions, and drive engagementPrepare and deliver commercial proposals, including pricing, terms, and conditions, ensuring alignment with margin targetsManage forecasting, sales tracking, and pipeline reporting using CRM and internal systemsLead negotiation and execution of confidentiality agreements, project agreements, and supply contracts in collaboration with legal and leadershipCoordinate cross-functional project teams to support scale-up, commercialization, and successful delivery of customer solutionsMonitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and inform strategyRepresent the business at industry conferences, customer meetings, and through digital channels to promote the Custom Catalyst value propositionBuild and maintain technical knowledge through ongoing collaboration with R&D and operations teamsRequirementsBachelor’s degree required; Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred2-5+ years of experience in the chemical or petrochemical industry (technical and/or commercial roles)Experience in business development, sales, or account managementAbility to manage customer relationships and commercial activities, including proposals and negotiationsWillingness to travel up to ~30% (with potential for higher travel based on business needsWhat´s in it for you?Medical/Dental/Vision InsurancesPaid HolidaysPTO time with a carry-over benefitTuition ReimbursementWellness ProgramEAP ProgramSpending and Savings AccountsLife/AD&D InsuranceDisability InsurancePet InsuranceOnline discount Mall Auto/Home InsuranceIdentity Theft ProtectionLegal Services Plan*Includes base salary and annual incentive bonus; final offer based on skills, experience and internal equity.Hannah AndrepontTalent Acquisition Manager Americas832-663-3948Hannah.andrepont@clariant.comClariant 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.Learn more about ClariantFollow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn