Partnerships and Market Manager - Auto & Industrial

Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable – starting with nylon. Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling in order to transform unrecyclable plastics and textiles into new, virgin‑quality materials. Our technology yields substantial reductions in carbon emissions with disruptive unit economics, preventing waste from entering landfill or the environment, allowing us to solve this very urgent challenge. With our pilot plant already processing nylon 6,6 waste at the multi‑tonne level, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. This site will produce material destined for use in garments made by some of the world’s biggest apparel brands, and also in components for some of the world’s largest automotive and industrial companies.

As Partnerships and Market Manager, your core function will be:

• To become our automotive and industrial market expert and lead Epoch’s engagement with existing and prospective partners within the sector.

This role will develop relationships, contribute to policy and regulatory dialogue, and represent the company at key automotive and industrial events. The ultimate objective is to secure long‑term offtake agreements for recycled nylon. This is an opportunity to shape how we engage with these industries at a critical time for Epoch Biodesign.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging trends within the automotive and industrial sectors, informing Epoch’s marketing and partnership initiatives.
• Develop strategy and propose targets for recycled nylon offtake partnerships.
• Use CRM to maintain pipeline and track activity.
• Develop deep relationships with key decision makers and other influencers.
• Project manage partner sample testing and early production runs.
• Define and optimize pricing structures for partner offtake agreements.
• Compose attractive framework proposals to gain agreement on initial terms.
• Develop and negotiate binding offtake agreements for multi‑year supply from our upcoming commercial facilities.
• Support supply‑based trade processes, covering taxes and tariffs etc.
• Stay ahead of evolving legislation, standards, and certification shaping recycled material usage in automotive and industrial industries.
• Attend key industry events and tradeshows, participate in panels, round tables etc.
• Provide aftersales support covering deliveries, quality, invoicing, development, etc.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Experience in the automotive, industrial, textiles, or materials sectors.
• Demonstrated success building and managing B2B partnerships, negotiating offtake agreements, and building supplier relationships – especially with auto brands and suppliers, polymer suppliers, EP compounders and/or yarn spinners.
• Understanding of the nylon value‑chain (e.g., polymers, yarns, engineering polymers, feedstocks, recycling systems etc.), with the ability to translate and communicate technical concepts into commercial opportunities.
• Deep knowledge of sustainability trends, recycled material adoption, traceability frameworks, and relevant certifications applicable to the automotive and industrial industries.
• Working understanding of relevant legislation and policy affecting circular materials and extended producer responsibility (EPR), particularly in the auto and industrial markets.
• Skilled in presenting and pitching to brand partners, representing organisations at industry events, and contributing to public or policy discussions on circular textiles or other materials.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Experience working closely with R&D, operations, and marketing teams to align commercial and technical strategies.

Benefits

• A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
• Meaningful EMI Share Options
• A non‑contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
• Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality Group
• Income Protection
• Group Critical Illness
• Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech scheme
• The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable

On‑the‑job perks:

• Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
• Onsite gym
• Various staff social activities

We are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on‑the‑job perks!