New Markets Application Manager

About Us

Elementis is a global specialty chemical company, with 1,300 employees operating 17 manufacturing sites across the globe. At Elementis, we bring a distinctive combination of expertise, innovation, and teamwork to every formulation challenge. We create high-value specialty additives that enhance the performance of our customers' products and make a positive change in the world. Combining our leading positions in the science of materials flow, surface modification, and formulation with access to unique natural materials, Elementis delivers unique chemistry, sustainable solutions to customers in a wide range of markets, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, decorative and industrial coatings, automotive and ceramics.

Job Description Summary

This role is EU based.
Elementis has identified growth in new markets as a core strategic priority, building on the full potential of its unique hectorite asset and the deep capabilities of the company in rheology, formulation and application expertise.
The New markets application manager is a global leadership role established to support this ambition into execution. The role sits at the intersection of technology and commercial delivery, working closely with market development & technology to translate Elementis’ differentiators into compelling application proof points to support scalable growth opportunities.
The role is accountable for application development activities that enable Elementis to enter new markets by translating early stage market and customer requirements into validated, scalable application solutions.

Job Description

Application Development for New Markets

• Lead a global team of application scientists whereby, you are responsible for the development, performance and motivation of your direct reports
• Steer application development for new markets by translating high‑level market needs into clear application targets, formulation concepts, and test criteria that support go/no-go decisions for new market entry
• Propose capital expenditure options for internal resourcing of laboratories as markets mature
• Build, Drive & Manage external engagement with testing partners & tollers
• You are responsible for performance management of external partners for New Markets
• Partner with New Market Development managers in presenting application expertise to prospects
• Represent Elementis at technical seminars and industry events 
• Distribution training for launched products
• Drive technical conversation at customer meetings for launched products
• Respond to technical enquiries from customers

Cross‑Functional Integration

• On a quarterly basis, present insights & progress to Exco members
• Provide structured input into strategic planning & reviews, highlighting feasibility, risks, and development pathways
• You drive product innovation by working closely with technology & market development resources
• You build a network of global external partners together with procurement & legal to support application needs of new markets
• Work closely with commercial teams and distributors to drive product value propositions

Job Competencies

• Strategic mindset: Having a strategic mindset allows you to steer application development efforts in line with new markets strategy
• Communicates effectively: Effective communication enables you to articulate insights & technical data at several levels within a global organization. You facilitate collaboration within and across the teams, ensure ideas and feedback are shared openly and ultimately enhance the quality of innovation efforts. 
• Agility and adaptability: ability to adjust priorities and steer resources in a high pressure, complex environment, bringing market needs at the center of decision making
• Plan and align: Planning and aligning to execute is essential for managing multiple markets with diverse needs effectively. It enables you to allocate resources, ensure research activities are synchronized with project timelines, execute projects with precision, maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes.  
• Collaboration: Effective collaboration ensures you can harness the collective expertise and insights of various stakeholders including R&D teams, Regulatory affairs, Legal & Procurement. You can facilitate the exchange of ideas, align diverse perspectives, promotes synergy and accelerate business growth

Decision Making

• Allocates internal and external resources based on strategic fit, evidence strength, and time-to-value.
• Selects and manages external testing partners and tollers in line with procurement/legal requirements, service levels, and performance KPIs
• Manages & reports on allocated spend budget for external testing
• Approves technical trade-offs within agreed scope

Additional Job Description

Knowledge and Skills

• Exposure to plastics, battery, agrochemicals or water treatment is preferred
• Experience supporting new market entry or adjacent application development
• Strong hands‑on experience converting broad application needs into testable formulations
• Highly skilled in early‑stage, high‑ambiguity development environments

Position Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 15+ years in application development, formulation development, or technical service for specialty chemicals or additives
• Language skills: Fluent in English
• Work arrangement: Hybrid