Technical Account Manager Asia

Who are we? 

Our world needs solutions, and we need them fast. A growing population and increasing standards of living drive our energy and material consumption. Whereas in order to keep global warming at bay, we need to reduce our carbon footprint substantially, in fact transition towards a climate neutral economy.

Avantium’s Vision: “We believe in a fossil-free world, let’s go!”

We create disruptive technologies to facilitate the sustainability change and bring them to the world with partners to accelerate the transition towards renewable and circular business.

Where will you fit in?  

Within the Business Unit Avantium Renewable Polymers (ARNP) we are working on the commercialization of Avantiums’s proprietary YXY plants-to-polymers Technology. This technology catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) and to materials such as the new material PEF (polyethylene furanoate). PEF enables the circular economy in fast moving consumers goods (FMCG) in packaging and apparel by combining 100% renewable and 100% recyclable with superior performance properties (barrier, mechanical and thermal) compared to today’s widely used linear petroleum-based materials.

Avantium Renewable Polymers is currently finalizing the construction of its Flagship Plant, that will be producing 5kta of FDCA/PEF with the aim to demonstrate the technology and market at scale. As a technology developer, Avantium’s business model is to sell licenses of the YXY Technology, which should lead to FDCA/PEF factories operating at large scale (>100 kta) and lower cost of production. To develop the market, ARNP works together with its licensees and other leading companies in several industries (food & beverage, cosmetics, apparel, etc.). Join us and our partners in the transition to a fossil-free world, transforming their sustainability pledges in actionable proof points!

As Technical Account Manager Asia you will join the Commercial Team of Avantium Renewable Polymers and being based in Japan (Tokyo), you will work closely together with our licensee(s) and customers in Asia, the Business Development Manager Asia, and our Application Development department. Being at the forefront of sustainable innovation you will join an international and dynamic team headquartered in Amsterdam. Together with our licensee(s), customers and your Business Development colleagues you will work on new value propositions for FDCA and PEF and you will lead the technical programs in Asia to develop and launch circular applications for FDCA and PEF and drive industry acceptance in Japan, South Korea and other South East Asian markets.

What will you be doing? 

Together with the Business Development Team, the Technical Account Manager Asia will drive the position of FDCA and PEF applications in the FMCG market to prepare for future licenses. The team will introduce FDCA/PEF value propositions to customers, validate the material performance in the conversion process, product application and open or closed loop recycling. As part of this you will, collect feedback, provide technical assistance and give input for improvement opportunities or even new applications to the Application Development team.

You will also:

• manage, support and track application development programs with customers, including technology solutions for circular business models.
• train and support Avantium’s licensees in their technical sales to their customers.
• develop the (technical part of the) customer business case in collaboration with Business Development.
• be the technical interface between the licensee(s), customer and our internal Application Development department.
• develop a portfolio of commercial PEF resins together with the Technical Product Manager, Business Development Director and Application Development team.
• develop the PEF recycling infrastructure in Asia, in close collaboration with the recycling bodies and recycling companies in the region.
• ensure resin supply from Avantium’s Pilot and Flagship plant to customers and support the Regulatory Manager to ensure regulatory compliance in Asia.
• represent Avantium Renewable Polymers in local industry associations and at conferences with the goal of increasing the general awareness on the product, building relationships with external contacts and lead generation.
• Being based in Japan, the TAM Asia may be asked to support business activities of other BU’s within Avantium.

We are a small team, operating in the Asia, Europe and Americas. At times, when priorities require, you do not mind stepping in for your peers in the other continents.

What do you bring? 

To be successful in this role, the Technical Account Manager needs a solid technical background in thermoplastic conversion techniques for mainly packaging development (bottles, trays, jars, film).. Enthusiasm, resilience, a “can do mentality” and drive to make impact are the necessary skills to make our vision happen. Commercial affinity and interest are important, allowing for efficient communication and progress with established and new customers. You are willing to pick up business development related tasks where necessary.

This includes;

• a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in mechanical and/or polymer/ engineering & (applied) science.
• minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position.
• experience in technical sales or marketing, product/packaging development or similar.
• relation building capabilities in SE Asia, most importantly Japan and South Korea, with brands and retail active in the FMCG market, (recycling) industry groups and associations.
• team player, commercially inclined, entrepreneurial minded, eager, creative, result oriented, self-starter with a ‘can-do’ mentality.
• fluent in Japanese, company language is English. Being able to speak additional languages, like Korean, is desirable.
• willingness to travel to support business development and customer trials for up to 70% of working time.

What do we offer? 

Avantium is a small company with a big impact. Whilst contributing to a circular economy, we offer you a unique chance to learn a lot: in science, business and management, leading people and operations, market strategies, quality and last but not least safety. Learning paths can be steep, not depending on predefined career paths and development tracks. In this role you are interfacing with many different disciplines, at customers, licensees and internal Avantium, opening up multiple growth opportunities within the company. You are in the lead of your career, what you bring to the table will be noticed and taking initiative is rewarded and recognized. We have an informal result-oriented culture, a flat organization and we recognize and celebrate the many cultures that we represent. On top of that we offer good primary and secondary benefits.

Do we have your attention? 

Let us know by applying through the website. If you have any questions, you can reach Team Lead Technical Account Managers Ingrid Goumans at (+31) 6 25 76 75 93 or [email protected].