At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth by identifying and securing high-value partnerships and commercial opportunities.
- Company: Join Holiferm, a leader in sustainable biosurfactants transforming the surfactant market.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, strong benefits, share options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while shaping the future of the biochemical industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development, partnerships, and commercialisation within relevant sectors.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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
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.
Head of Strategic Business Development in Birkenhead employer: Holiferm Limited
Holiferm is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As the Head of Strategic Business Development, you'll have the opportunity to drive meaningful change in the sustainable surfactant market while enjoying a competitive salary, robust benefits, and flexible working arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, Holiferm empowers you to make a real impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Business Development in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
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Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Holiferm Limited, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Holiferm Limited
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✨Portfolio of Projects
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✨Know their business model
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