Biomaterials Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Director Plant Health - Decatur, IL
Job Description
Plant Health Business Development Director for ADM BioSolutions will develop and drive implementation of a category strategy with the goal of increasing ADM's revenue and profit in the global agriculture/plant health industry. Working with a matrix of functional teams the Director will create solutions focused on delivering value for our customers and the company. 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 functions to develop new products, external relationships, 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 applications for ADM's biobased portfolio and the competitive environment to facilitate development efforts with a focus on Plant Health.
• Play a lead role in creating a "where to play and how to win" business strategy.
• Outline critical capabilities needed to succeed and address the company's gaps.
• Be a recognized subject matter expert and key point of contact for ADM's BioSolutions portfolio.
• Assist Sales in prospecting for new customers to drive additional growth. Ideally bring new contacts in the Plant Health area for the sales team to pursue.
• Recommend to national and regional accounts value-added solutions, including effective introduction of new products, technologies, and processes to support growth of the Plant Health segment.
• Partner with ADM's Marketing, Sales, R&D and Technical Service teams to drive business objectives.
• Consistently survey new geographies for expansion and growth, evaluate competitor activities, and identify potential partners/acquisition targets to accelerate implementation of the strategy.
• Network and present at trade shows and other technical venues to increase ADM's profile, build knowledge, and identify new prospects for the segment.

Product Development & Commercialization:

• Develop business cases supporting R&D efforts to expand ADM's portfolio aligned with company expectations of profit and volume.
• Partner with functional teams to execute market introduction and initial market/sales development for new products, processes, solutions, and services.
• Analyze the current global, national, and regional accounts, determine which are most suitable for new product launches.
• Proactively provide market and competitive intelligence to appropriate Sales, Marketing, Product Management, 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.
• Ensure close alignment with Marketing Communications and coordination with regards to business plans including campaigns and market development opportunities.
• Resolve and provide solutions for customer issues in a timely and accurate manner with assistance from other team members.

Desired Behavior, Personal Attributes & Skills Required

• Consistently focuses on achieving strong results, despite balancing multiple complex demands.
• Identify areas for improvement and constructively propose 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 become a stronger contributor.
• 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 internal and external.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both in creation and execution.

Experience, Knowledge

• 10+ years in the chemicals and/or biomaterials industries with a focus on Agricultural/Plant Health customers.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific, engineering or business discipline, MBA preferred.
• Understanding of the fermentation processes used in the Plant Health industry is desired.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Available to travel up to 50%.
• Experience working in a matrix organization.
• Fluent in English.