Head of Business Development in Manchester

Black Bull Biochar (BBB) is a growing UK company scaling the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health and removes carbon from the atmosphere. The company is entering an exciting expansion phase, growing its presence, particularly across Manchester, and building a team that will define the future of agriculture, renewable energy and carbon removal.

About the role

The Head of Business Development is a pivotal role responsible for building BBB’s commercial engine. You will lead our commercial strategy, including partnerships, market positioning and commercial decision‑making, determining where we build, who we work with, what we sell, and how value flows across BBB. This role combines strategic design, on‑the‑ground partner engagement, structured analysis, and commercial deal‑making, and suits someone who thrives in fast‑moving, early‑stage environment where clarity is needed.

We want to be clear that you do not need to be an expert in biochar, pyrolysis, engineering, or carbon removal to excel in this role (90% of us weren’t before joining BBB). What matters most is that you are action‑oriented, decisive, comfortable creating structure from ambiguity, and energised by turning opportunities into real‑world outcomes, especially when it comes to climate tech. We are looking for someone who moves fast, takes ownership, builds strong relationships, and drives progress even when the path isn’t fully mapped. In short, it is a challenging role, and a fun one at that.

Your work will shape the trajectory of BBB’s national rollout, ensuring our commercial decisions are robust, scalable, and aligned with both climate impact and long‑term profitability. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys learning by doing and wants to play a central role in scaling one of the UK’s most exciting climate/agri‑tech organisations.

Key responsibilities:

• Shape BBB’s commercial strategy in collaboration with the CEO, particularly when it comes to renewable heat offtakes, carbon offtakes and multi‑site deployment opportunities.
• Build and lead a growing commercial and project team, fostering a high‑ownership, action‑oriented culture as BBB scales nationwide.
• Identify, evaluate and prioritise new sites and partners, using structured commercial criteria (heat demand, biomass availability, land/planning, logistics, economics, risk).
• Lead partnerships and business development, building strong relationships with hosts, suppliers, corporate buyers, food producers, and local authorities.
• Develop commercial models and business cases that inform site selection, investment decisions and portfolio planning.
• Scan for and secure grants, incentives and public‑sector funding opportunities that strengthen new project viability and support BBB’s expansion.
• Lead cross‑functional projects from planning through to delivery, ensuring timelines, budgets and objectives are met.
• Work cross‑functionally with Operations, Finance and Engineering to ensure commercial assumptions match delivery and operational reality.
• Establish commercial processes and tools, including reporting, forecasts, pipeline management, partner assessments and documentation.
• Represent BBB externally at meetings, conferences and industry events, helping position BBB as a leading UK biochar and carbon‑removal provider.

What we are looking for:

• You’re curious, quick to learn and happy picking up the essentials of biochar, pyrolysis and agricultural systems without needing to be a technical expert.
• A hands‑on, calm‑under‑pressure problem‑solver, able to navigate shifting priorities and keep things moving.
• A clear communicator and natural relationship‑builder, confident working with suppliers, partners, farmers, corporates and public‑sector teams.
• Organised and structured, with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams while keeping an eye on detail.
• Comfortable in ambiguous, early‑stage environments, where you help create the structure rather than wait for it.
• 7–10 years' experience in climate tech, strategy, partnerships or commercial roles within energy, infrastructure, mobility or related sectors.
• Strong commercial judgement, including negotiation, financial modelling, and designing commercial frameworks for multi‑site or infrastructure deployments.
• Experience shaping deliverables, KPIs and cross‑team processes, and leading both strategy and execution.
• Familiarity with budgets, procurement and risk management, ideally in complex or multi‑stakeholder projects.
• A genuine passion for climate impact and helping scale carbon‑removal solutions that work in the real world.

What you will get from us:

• A cross-cutting hands-on experience working in a purposeful, impact-driven, fast-paced start-up at the frontier of climate tech innovation.
• The chance to grow and shape an organisation in its early stages.
• Health insurance including dental, optical and mental health cover.
• Gym membership included at Department office in Manchester.
• 25 days annual leave a year, not including bank holidays and the ability to remote work permanently for two weeks a year, and the option to buy back up to 5 days of annual leave.
• Building a greener future where your work removes carbon, restores soil health, decarbonises energy and creates a lasting positive impact for generations to come.

Please send your CV and a cover letter on why you would be a great fit to team@blackbullbiochar.com with the subject line: Head of Business Development.

At this time, BBB can only accept applicants who are based in the locations specified and have the right to work in the UK. Accepting applications until 23rd February. Applications may close early if we find the right candidate for the role.