Summer Remote Materials Science Jobs in Minnesota

Business Development Manager II – Sustainable Materials

Location: Remote or Plymouth, MN (preferred)
Type: Full-time | Individual Contributor
Industry: Sustainable Materials, Plastics, Packaging, and Specialty Materials

Help Build the Future of Sustainable Materials

NatureWorks is transforming the plastics industry through Ingeo™ biopolymers, innovative materials made from renewable resources that help brands and manufacturers reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics.

We're looking for a Business Development Manager III to help accelerate adoption of sustainable materials across packaging, foodservice, consumer products, fibers, nonwovens, and emerging applications.

This is an opportunity to build something. You'll identify new applications, develop new customer relationships, and help bring innovative sustainable solutions to market. Success requires curiosity, initiative, technical credibility, and the ability to turn opportunities into long-term commercial partnerships.

What You'll Do

• Identify and develop new business opportunities for Ingeo™ biopolymers.
• Build relationships with converters, manufacturers, brand owners, and other value chain partners.
• Lead technical and commercial discussions that move opportunities from concept to commercialization.
• Create and manage a robust pipeline through prospecting, networking, industry events, and customer engagement.
• Collaborate with technical, product development, and operations teams to bring innovative solutions to market.
• Influence business strategy through customer insights and market intelligence.
• Represent NatureWorks at customer meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
• Manage opportunities from first conversation through commercialization.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• An interest in developing new business in a highly dynamic sector
• Background in plastics, polymers, packaging, specialty materials, chemicals, or related industries.
• A willingness to learn technical business development skills to augment your existing technical abilities
• Experience with biopolymer materials or plastic manufactured articles made of biopolymer resins.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly learn new materials, applications, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics.
• Ability to engage effectively with engineers, product developers, operations leaders, procurement teams, and executive decision-makers.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of working independently and turning opportunities into commercial results.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage customer relationships, opportunities, forecasts, and follow-through.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning in evolving markets and technologies.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Experience

• Commercialization of new materials, products, or technologies.
• Development of new markets, applications, or strategic customer segments.
• Experience working within complex manufacturing, packaging, or materials value chains.
• Background in polymers, packaging, sustainable materials, specialty chemicals, additives, compounds, coatings, or related industries.
• Success influencing technical and business stakeholders throughout the buying process.

Who Thrives Here

The most successful people in this role are curious, self-directed, and energized by building something new. They enjoy solving customer challenges, learning emerging technologies, and turning opportunities into long-term partnerships. They take ownership, move quickly, and create momentum where others see obstacles.

Why NatureWorks

At NatureWorks, you'll work with industry-leading customers, innovative technologies, and a team committed to advancing sustainable materials. You'll help commercialize breakthrough solutions, influence emerging markets, and make a meaningful impact in a growing global industry.  You'll have the autonomy to build your market, the support of a world-class technical team, and the chance to turn innovative ideas into commercial success.

Compensation & Benefits

At NatureWorks, we believe great business builders should be rewarded accordingly. Our compensation package is designed to support high performers who create new revenue and value across the plastics, packaging, and specialty materials industries.

Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000 + 25% bonus opportunity

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 180 hours vacation, plus paid holidays, sick time, and family sick leave
• Retirement plan with 5.5% automatic company contribution and a 50% match on the first 6% of employee contributions