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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience in a start‑up or…