Business Development Director - Oils/Glycols - Decatur, IL or Chicago

BioSolutions Business Development Director Oils/Glycols - Decatur, IL or Chicago, IL

Job Description
The Business Development Director for ADM’s Industrial Oils/Glycols Segment will serve in a leadership role and subject matter expert for the application areas of this category. The Director will develop and drive implementation of a category strategy to grow in new and existing sub-segments outside of food and fuel applications. Working with a matrix of functional teams the leader will create market solutions that are focused on delivering value for our customers and the company. Special focus on customers’ ability to reduce costs, improve performance and enhance the sustainability of their end products will be critical. The Director will work with multiple support organizations to launch new products, develop external collaborations and accelerate existing product sales in the market. The Director will also scan the industry for acquisition targets and work internally to drive these opportunities to completion.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Industrial Oils market and the competitive environment to facilitate sales development efforts.
• Clearly understand value propositions of the company’s biomaterial portfolio. Partner with the sales team to identify target customers and establish plans for attaining the business.
• Play a lead role in creating a “where to play and how to win” business strategy.  
• Initiate and cultivate partnerships with potential third parties for additional growth.
• Work with Sales to implement value-added solutions including effective introduction of new products and repositioning of existing products.
• Initiate technology-based discussions with customers to gain insight for product launches and marketing programs.
• Monitor and support sales efforts to implement account plans, initiate customer contacts and assist with establishing growth projects with target customers.
• Partner with ADM’s Marketing, Sales, R&D and Technical Service teams to drive business objectives.

• Partner with functional teams to execute market introduction and initial market/sales development for new products, processes, solutions and services.
• Network at trade shows and other technical venues to build knowledge and identify new prospects.
• Analyze the current national and regional accounts, determine which are most suitable to incorporate into new product offerings and communicate these findings to the commercial team.
• Proactively provide market and competitive intelligence to appropriate Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Applications and Technical Service teams.
• Champion introductions of new technologies/products to meet business objectives. Navigate complexity of diverse markets to generate value for the customer and company.

Relationships & People:

• Maintain a productive and effective relationship with all members of the team as well as company affiliates, to ensure clear rapid flow of information and customer and prospect satisfaction.
• Ensure close alignment with Marketing and coordination with the overall Marketing team with regards to business plans including campaigns and market development opportunities.
• Resolve and provide solutions to target customer issues in a timely and accurate manner with assistance from other team members.

Desired Behavior, Personal Attributes & Skills Required

• Proactively builds a good understanding of the customer to ensure own work is responsive to market opportunities.
• Consistently focuses on achieving strong results despite balancing multiple complex demands.
• Regularly identifies areas that can be improved and constructively proposes new solutions that increase value and improve business performance.
• Proactively helps others and responds to their business needs to build strong working relationships.
• Seeks opportunities (training, projects, etc.) that develop knowledge and skills to improve.
• A leader who can work independently but can also influence and motivate matrix team members.
• Highest integrity with strong leadership skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to connect with all levels of the organization and a variety of cultures – both internally and externally.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both in creation and execution.

Experience, Knowledge

• 10 years in the chemicals and/or biomaterials industries, specialty products and solutions preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific, engineering or business discipline, MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Available to travel 30% or more.
• Experience working in a matrix organization.