Application Development Representative

This is the role

This role is located in our European Technology Center (Ghent / Zwijnaarde) and requires on-site presence.

This role will help develop applications for Eastman's portolio of sustainable polymer solutions in the many different market segments (Durables, Cosmetics, Eyewear, Medical, Packaging, …)
Specific responsibilities include:

•    Be the application development and technical expert for a specific or variety of market segments and its applications 
•    Keep up to date with market, application and processing technology developments including competitive material and competing technology developments
•    Define market specific unmet needs / deficiencies knowledgeable about industry relevant secondary operations
•    In-depth knowledge on co-polyester chemistry and how it relates to the end-use applications (or willingness to dive into the chemistry)
•    Understanding of market trends and develop/promote innovative solutions meeting these requirements.
•    Identify & document industry and customer specific unmet needs and product fitness for use criteria
•    Work close to Technical Service colleagues promoting customer trials and evaluations.
•    Provide technical product training to customers, distributors and sales & marketing teams
•    Participate in, align with and influence the strategy of the segment team in collaboration with the marketing department.
•    Support market facing StageGate projects and lead related technical activities internally and externally 
•    Responsible for material recommendations converting the  voice of the customer into “Critical To Quality”-parameters driving product selection and development 
•    Help develop technical marketing materials for customer engagement 
•    Partner with Product Development team to deliver products meeting market needs and adding value to Eastman

This is what you bring

•    MSc in Polymer chemistry & processing,  Material Science or Mechanical Engineering preferred
•    >10-15 years industrial experience with an in-depth knowledge of specific applications and market trends 
•    Experience in plastic processing technologies & related secondary operations
•    Experience with polymer testing and material characterization 
•    Excellent customer facing experience
•    Excellent communication and documentation skills
•    Experience in delivering complex technical presentations 
•    Project leadership experience preferred
•    Marketing and/or business acumen preferred
•    Demonstrated strategic and innovative thinking with a desire to solve problems
•    Fluency in English is mandatory and Dutch is preferred.

Why choose Eastman

It’s about growth and your long-term success. At Eastman, your career path can take many routes—each offering growth opportunities, competitive salary and benefits, and a globally growing work environment. Eastman fosters a culture of diversity steeped in teamwork and employee involvement, a place where dedicated individuals turn great ideas into materials that make a difference in everyday life. We support and encourage one another and believe that leveraging diversity in our thoughts and experiences allows us to excel in business.