License Sales Manager

Who are we?

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

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

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

How can you contribute?

Avantium’s Renewable Polymers division is looking for an experienced License Sales Manager to lead licensing activities and coordinate local value chains for our renewable process technologies. As part of the License Team, reporting to the License Director, you will drive commercialization of our YXY® Technology, which converts plant-based feedstock into FDCA – the key building block of PEF, a 100% renewable and recyclable polyester with superior performance for packaging and textiles.

Avantium will launch its Flagship Plant in 2026 (5 kta FDCA/PEF) to demonstrate technology and market at commercial scale. Our business model focuses on selling YXY licenses for large-scale plants worldwide (>100 kta). For this, we work with leading companies across industries (feedstock, chemical companies as well as brands and retailers in a.o. food & beverage, cosmetics and apparel).

As License Sales Manager, you will lead a region (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia) and collaborate with partners in feedstock, operations, and financing. Internal alignment with  Engineering, Business Development, Finance, Legal, and IP is key. Based in Amsterdam, this role offers the chance to shape sustainable chemistry and develop professionally as part of an innovative team.

What will you be responsible for?

Develop Licensing Initiatives:

• Develop local license opportunities aligned with Avantium's business objectives.
• Identify potential licensing partners, convince them of their role in (or with) the license venture and negotiate agreements towards a license agreement.
• Support the licensee project organization from PDP delivery, through FEED, FID and EPC to Plant Acceptance.
• Evaluate market trends and competitive landscape to inform licensing strategy.

Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with potential and existing licensing partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local licensing inquiries and negotiations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and act as a conduit for licensee input to Engineering and Technology & Innovation teams for continuous improvement and next-generation YXY Technologies

Intellectual Property Management:

• Work with legal and intellectual property teams to protect and enforce Avantium's IP
• Oversee the local portfolio of license related agreements (such as NDA, MoU, LOI, Term Sheets and License Agreements) and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Market Expansion and Business Development:

• Identify new market opportunities for Avantium's technologies and support strategies to expand the company's licensing service portfolio and proposition.
• Represent Avantium at industry conferences, trade shows, and other events to promote licensing opportunities and build partnerships.

What will you bring?

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in chemical technology licensing is a must, preferably for novel technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating technology licensing agreements and driving revenue growth.
• Compelling team player across cultures, functions and seniorities, with experience in initiating and developing multi-stakeholder teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain global relationships with stakeholders in different disciplines.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

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. 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. 

Join us and our partners in transitioning to a fossil-free world, transforming their sustainability pledges into actionable proof points!

Interested? 

Let us know by applying through the website. If you have any questions, you can reach our HR Business partner Sil Bartlema at Sil.Bartlema@avantium.com . 

At Avantium, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.