Head of Strategic Business Development

Head of Strategic Business Development

Location: This is a UK-based role, ideally based at our Wallasey or Trafford Park sites to support in-person team collaboration. Candidates based elsewhere in the UK will be considered; however, the role requires extensive international travel and regular weekly on-site attendance.

About Holiferm

Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market, moving the industry away from fossil fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible.

While Holiferm may not be a household name, the brands we supply certainly are—from established global names to fast-growing, future-focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling quickly, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and drive the next wave of growth.

You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive environment with the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow and make a real impact.

The Opportunity

As Head of Strategic Business Development, you will identify, shape and deliver high-value strategic growth opportunities that expand Holiferm’s product portfolio, market access and long-term enterprise value.

The role will operate across several business functions and will be responsible for turning technical capability into commercial opportunities through partnerships, licensing models, joint development agreements, new molecule commercialisation and strategic market expansion.

Expected Impact

This role will play a key part in driving Holiferm's long-term growth by building a high-value strategic opportunity pipeline, securing significant commercial partnerships, supporting the launch of new products, molecules and platforms, opening new routes to market, and contributing to the company's ambition to become a 70m+ revenue biochemical platform business

You’ll be responsible for:

• Identifying and progressing strategic partnerships with global brands, manufacturers, distributors, technology partners and investors.
• Developing business cases for new molecules, products, applications, markets and strategic growth opportunities.
• Leading commercial strategy and commercialisation initiatives for current and future product platforms.
• Structuring and negotiating high-value partnerships, licensing agreements and routes to market.
• Working cross-functionally to translate customer needs into commercially viable product solutions.
• Supporting complex strategic opportunities through market evaluation, commercial assessment and partnership development.
• Providing recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team on strategic priorities and investment opportunities.
• Building long-term external relationships and maintaining visibility of strategic pipeline performance, risks and opportunities.

About You

You're a commercially astute business development leader who enjoys building partnerships, identifying new opportunities and turning innovation into commercial success.

Technical & Commercial Expertise

• Experience in strategic business development, partnerships, technical sales or commercialisation within chemicals, biotechnology, FMCG or related sectors.
• Proven ability to secure and develop complex, high-value commercial opportunities.
• Strong commercial acumen, including market analysis, business case development and value proposition creation.
• Experience working across multiple functions to deliver commercial outcomes.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience operating internationally and building relationships across diverse markets.

Leadership & Interpersonal Effectiveness

• A collaborative and relationship-focused approach.
•  Comfortable working in ambiguity and helping shape new opportunities.
• Ability to influence and build alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Resilient, self-motivated and driven by long-term value creation.

Desirable

• Experience in a start-up or scale-up environment.
• Technical or scientific background.
• Experience within biotechnology, biosurfactants, bio-based ingredients or speciality chemicals.
• Existing networks across relevant industry sectors.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership, investors or Boards.

How You’ll Be Rewarded

We believe great work should feel genuinely rewarding:

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Strong benefits package including 7.5% pension, income protection, life assurance (4x salary), and health, dental and mental health support
• Share options so you grow with us
• Flexible, hybrid working
• Electric & hybrid car scheme and discount platform
• Regular team events and socials
• Additional everyday perks

Our Culture

At Holiferm, openness, wellbeing and teamwork aren’t just words—they shape how we work every day. People support each other, share knowledge and celebrate success together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is valued, and everyone is encouraged to thrive.

Not sure you tick every box?

If this role excites you and you meet most of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you—you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities

Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments during the process, just let us know we’re here to support you.