Application Development Manager

About the role

Avantium is launching a new business around its Volta Technology, a CO2‑to‑polymer platform. The Application Development Manager will lead the development, scale‑up and commercialization of PLGA, a high‑performance biobased polymer for packaging, reporting to the Chief Product Officer.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and internal/external R&D labs to drive application projects.
• Manage a network of partner labs and oversee outsourced product‑development projects.
• Act as the technical interface during sample validation and attend customer trials.
• Produce application reports and brochures that translate scientific results into business value.
• Maintain a knowledge base on competitive practices and support the technical part of customer business cases.
• Initiate product‑development projects with external partners based on market feedback.
• Handle technical product compliance, regulatory statements and registrations with support from relevant teams.
• Support grant applications and represent Avantium at conferences to generate partnerships.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in chemistry, polymer science or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in application development or technical sales for polymer film/sheet extrusion, paper coating or plastic packaging.
• Hands‑on experience with biobased polymers is highly preferred.
• Fluent English; additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 30‑50 % of the time.

Required skills

• Application development for polymer film and sheet extrusion.
• Technical sales for plastic packaging and paper coating.
• Experience working with biobased polymers such as PLGA.

What we offer

• Opportunity to learn across science, business, management and market strategy in a fast‑growing, flat‑structure company.
• Informal culture that celebrates diversity and provides primary and secondary benefits.