Eastman Chemical Company

Business Development Manager

Eastman Chemical Company$90K — $120K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's or PhD preferred depending on commercial experience.
  • 5-10+ years of B2B/industrial/business development or strategic account sales experience.
  • Excellent skills in prospecting and stakeholder mapping, particularly influencing non-procurement stakeholders.
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with comfort in front of various audiences, including C-suite.
  • Proven ability to manage frequent travel (50%+) without burnout in a high-intensity role.
  • Self-starter mindset with a drive for results and strong prioritization skills in a lean environment.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems and opportunity management tools.

Responsibilities

  • Generate and qualify target opportunities in line with business strategy; develop and execute account penetration plans.
  • Engage with customers front-end: identify needs, map buying processes, and influence specifications across various departments.
  • Lead the entire process of driving specification wins, including trials and presentations.
  • Maintain frequent in-person engagement with clients to foster relationships.
  • Utilize intelligence to refine market strategies and prioritize customer accounts.
  • Work alongside Account Managers and technical teams for smooth transition of opportunities into the sales pipeline.
  • Ensure compliance with CRM to organize opportunities and accelerate sales funnel movement.

Benefits

  • Remote work opportunity; home-office based position.
  • Required significant travel (50-70%) for in-person customer engagement.
  • Opportunity to work in the innovative field of circular-economy offerings.
  • Chance to influence and drive sustainability-driven product commercialization.
  • Collaboration with a diverse team across various functions of the organization.
Full Job Description
Role Profile

We are seeking a highly commercial, 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 less on lab-centric technical depth and more 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 full-time, remote position is home-office based, we are looking for candidates who are on the west coast - preferably California. Expect significant travel (typically 50-70%). Reporting to the North America Sales Manager, this role offers an exciting opportunity to develop new business for our circular offerings in downstream applications.

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
  • 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.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree; 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 without burnout.
  • 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)

About Eastman Chemical Company

Eastman Chemical Company (Eastman) is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers that are found in products people use every day. Eastman has over 40 manufacturing sites in 16 countries and equity interests in joint ventures that supply chemicals, plastics, and fibers products to customers throughout the world. Eastman has a portfolio of specialty businesses that hold positions and provide products that enhance performance in a variety of end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman management believes that the Company's end-market diversity is a source of strength, as these markets are benefiting from longer-term global trends such as energy efficiency, a rising middle class in emerging economies, and increased health and wellness. On July 2, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Solutia Inc. (Solutia).

Eastman Chemical Company Careers

Join the vibrant team at Eastman Chemical Company, a global leader in the chemical industry known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety. At Eastman, we offer a plethora of job opportunities that pave the way for professional growth and personal achievement. We are proud to be a company where diversity and leadership go hand in hand, fostering a culture that values every team member's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At Eastman Chemical Company, your work will directly contribute to groundbreaking solutions that influence markets and improve lives. Whether you're involved in research, marketing, production, or management, you are positioned to lead and innovate in every project you handle. Our team is composed of over 14,000 dedicated professionals who bring their diverse skills to the table, working collaboratively to drive success and leadership in the chemical industry.

Innovative Career Paths

Explore the multitude of career paths available at Eastman, from internships that offer real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge and expand your capabilities. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, ensuring that the right skills are matched with the right opportunities. We believe in nurturing your career through continuous learning and development, supported by our robust training programs in areas like leadership, diversity, and technical skills.

Be Part of a Great Team

Joining Eastman means becoming part of a culture that prizes innovation and teamwork. You will work alongside industry experts and leaders who are eager to share knowledge and insights. Our team’s collaborative efforts are the driving force behind our award-winning workplace, recognized globally for its excellence in safety, sustainability, and employee satisfaction.

Benefits and Growth

Eastman Chemical Company is committed to the growth of its employees. We offer competitive benefits designed to support your life, both at work and at home. From health and wellness programs to financial and retirement planning, we ensure you have the resources you need to succeed in every aspect of your life. Our commitment to professional development means you’re always learning, always growing.

Internship Opportunities

Kickstart your career with an Eastman internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure and hands-on experience, making them a perfect starting point for students and recent graduates eager to make their mark. Interns at Eastman gain critical skills, work on meaningful projects, and network with professionals across the company, providing a strong foundation for future employment opportunities.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Eastman Chemical Company? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Eastman by following our careers blog. Gain insights from insider perspectives, and stay ahead with tips that you can apply directly to your next interview or resume update. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences, and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Eastman Chemical Company.

Explore Eastman Chemical Company Careers

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your skills, lead with innovation, or grow within a diverse team, Eastman Chemical Company offers a career path filled with opportunities. Join us in making a difference in the chemical industry and beyond.
Learn more about Eastman Chemical Company
Size
14,000 employees
Market Cap
$9.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$478 million
Founded
1920
5 Year Trend
+3.1%
Revenue
$8.4 billion
NASDAQ

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