Market Development Engineer

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

 

 

Location: France/remote working

Reports to: Technology Manager Europe

 

 

Summary: 

The role is focused on market evaluation, application development and on translating customer requirements into commercially competitive masterbatch solutions. From a market standpoint, the primary emphasis will be on high-volume application segments, including flexible packaging (excluding film applications), construction materials (pipes, profiles, and sheets), and consumer goods produced through injection molding and extrusion processes.

Key customer groups will include brand owners, OEMs, and contract manufacturers.

Supported by a strong Product Development and Engineering (PDE) team, the position does not require direct formulation responsibilities; however, the role will involve collaborating closely with the PDE function to convert customer performance requirements into viable product solutions.

In addition, the role will be responsible for organizing technical workshops, initiating samples and engagement activities aimed at increasing product awareness, strengthening customer relationships, and influencing future purchasing and tender decisions.

 

 

Job Purpose: 

The Market Development Engineer is responsible for driving growth of masterbatch solutions by identifying new market opportunities, developing applications, supporting customers technically, and working closely with sales and Product Development Engineers (PDE) to expand the company’s presence across targeted polymer markets. This role bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy, ensuring that customer needs are translated into competitive masterbatch solutions.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Market & Business Development: 

• Identify and develop new market segments, applications, and customers for masterbatches (color, additive, white, black, specialty).
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitor activities, and pricing strategies.
• Define and execute market entry and growth strategies for selected polymer applications (e.g. packaging, automotive, construction, consumer goods).
• Support the creation of business cases for new products, investments, or market expansion.

 

Technical & Application Support: 

• Act as a technical expert for masterbatch products and polymer applications.
• Provide technical support to customers, including product selection, troubleshooting, and processing optimization.
• Conduct trials (internal and customer-side), analyze results, and recommend improvements.
• Translate customer requirements into technical specifications with the PDE team  and production.

 

Product Development & Innovation:

• Collaborate with PDE team on development of new masterbatch formulations.
• Support product launches with technical documentation, value propositions, and application guidelines.
• Ensure products meet regulatory, quality, and performance requirements relevant to target markets.

 

Sales & Customer Interface:

• Work closely with the sales team to support key accounts and strategic customers.
• Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and technical workshops.
• Train sales teams on product features, applications, and competitive advantages.
• Create technical value justification.

 

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead or support cross-functional projects involving sales, PDE , production, quality.
• Manage multiple development and market projects simultaneously.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and market analysis for management.

 

Qualifications & Experience: 

Education:

• Degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

 

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in the plastics industry, preferably with masterbatches, compounds, or additives.
• Experience in market development, application engineering, technical sales, or product management is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of polymer processing (e.g. extrusion, injection molding, blow molding).

 

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of masterbatch technologies (color, additive, functional) is ideal
• More important is the understanding of polymers and their applications.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g. food contact, REACH).
• Ability to interpret technical data and convert it into customer-relevant value.

 

Personal Competencies: 

• Strong commercial mindset combined with technical expertise.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical, structured, and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel to customers and markets as required.

 

Other Considerations:

• Must, be able to travel and spend time away from home (c.60% of time). Possible other geographical regions include Spain & Italy.

 

 

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For EU roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the European Union. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application

 

 

Why select Listgrove?

• Five Decades of Market Intelligence
• Unrivalled Industry Networks
• Recognised International brand
• HR Qualified Professionals

 

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.  

 

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

 

Performance through People.

Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

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