Nature Finance Business Development Lead

Salary - £63,978 - £67, 894 Hybrid working (50/50) Permanent, Full-time

Location:

Wallingford, Bangor (Wales), Lancaster and Edinburgh Closing date for applications: 7th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate.

How can organisations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of nature finance, biodiversity disclosure and environmental markets with confidence? From mandatory biodiversity disclosure frameworks such as Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to the rapid growth of Biodiversity Net Gain and emerging biodiversity credit markets, organisations are increasingly seeking trusted scientific expertise to inform critical business and investment decisions. UKCEH is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, bringing together some of the UK's leading expertise in ecosystem assessment, species monitoring, land use change and nature-based solutions, underpinned by world-class environmental science and data.

As our Nature Finance Business Development Lead, you will play a pivotal role in unlocking the commercial potential of UKCEH's science, helping organisations navigate emerging nature and biodiversity frameworks while creating opportunities for scientific impact ing as UKCEH's senior commercial representative within the nature finance sector, you will build strategic relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organisations and nature market developers, identifying where our scientific expertise can deliver meaningful value.

Working closely with scientists, research leaders and commercial colleagues, the post-holder will lead business development activities, develop strategic partnerships and grow a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities across the rapidly evolving nature finance market. Combining commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building and communication skills, they will translate market needs into impactful scientific solutions, helping to position UKCEH at the forefront of environmental innovation while supporting nature recovery and sustainable economic growth.

Act as UKCEH's lead representative in nature finance and biodiversity markets, engaging senior stakeholders across financial institutions, corporates, government, NGOs and market developers. Represent UKCEH at conferences, working groups, investor forums and client meetings to raise profile and generate commercial opportunities. Build and maintain a strategic network across sustainability, ESG, finance, investment and nature market sectors. Stay informed on emerging developments and opportunities including TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions investment.

Provide market intelligence and strategic insight to support UKCEH's commercial and scientific planning.

Own and manage a commercial pipeline spanning contract research, strategic partnerships, advisory services, data products and collaborative programmes. Identify, develop and convert opportunities into commercial agreements and income. Deliver against income targets, providing pipeline forecasts and progress updates to senior leaders. Develop compelling commercial propositions that align market needs with UKCEH's scientific expertise.

Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with partners and clients, working closely with finance and research management colleagues. Support the development of commercial proposals, bids and partnership opportunities aligned to organisational priorities. Assess opportunities with sound judgement, ensuring alignment with UKCEH's values, scientific integrity and reputation. Negotiate agreements that deliver commercial success while protecting UKCEH's independence and credibility.

Build and strengthen long-term relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organisations and nature market stakeholders. Act as lead relationship manager for key accounts, ensuring a coordinated and high-quality experience across UKCEH. Identify opportunities for co-funded programmes, commercial partnerships and wider income generation. Collaborate with fundraising and business development colleagues to maximise strategic opportunities.

Coordinate commercial activity across teams, ensuring a consistent approach to the nature finance market. Contribute to business development and pipeline discussions, supporting collaboration across commercial and fundraising teams. Maintain accurate records of commercial activity and stakeholder engagement within UKCEH's CRM systems. Contribute commercial insight and market intelligence to science area leadership and organisational strategy development.

• Develop a detailed…