International Barley Hub - Business Development Manager in Dundee

Main Purpose of Job

The IBH, funded as part of the £300m Tay Cities Deal, seeks to secure the long-term future of the barley sector by developing climate-resilient varieties, new growing systems, and novel uses for the crop. It is underpinned by decades of Institute research and commercial input from stakeholders like the Scotch Whisky Association, the Maltsters Association of GB, and NFU Scotland. The Hub brings together world-leading science to deliver practical solutions for the entire supply chain, both in the UK and globally.

This Business Development role is dedicated to supporting the International Barley Hub (IBH) as part of James Hutton Limited (JHL) BD team.

Operating as a commercial driver within JHL, the postholder will work closely with the IBH Director to identify, negotiate, and secure profitable contracts and commercial income from both private and public sectors, nationally and internationally. They will also assist the IBH Director in developing and delivering the IBH Business Plan, Annual Operational Plan, Risk Register, reporting and budget to ensure the Hub achieves its ambitious targets.

Main Duties of Postholder

1. Lead business development efforts to generate profitable commercial income that supports the long-term growth of the International Barley Hub (IBH).
2. Deliver a clear plan to commercialise IBH activities through direct business development, licensing, creating spin-outs, and attracting related companies to set up alongside the IBH.
3. Act as the main daily link between the agricultural supply chain industry and JHI researchers, with a strict focus on bringing in commercial revenue.
4. Work directly with industry partners in processing and supply chains to understand their practical needs, advocate for research in sustainability of barley and use this to develop funded, profitable research and development projects for JHI scientists to deliver.
5. Build and maintain strong working relationships with key businesses across the supply chain, and find creative, practical ways for them to fund and associate with the IBH.
6. Work with the IBH Director to win funding that assists international development and delivers real-world results.
7. Develop straightforward plans for engaging with stakeholders, marketing our services, and communicating clearly with the industry.
8. Work with the IBH Director to set up collaborative research and skills training programmes based on exact industry need.
9. Be a key member of the JHL Business Development team, working with the Marketing and Communications teams, to share sales opportunities and identify synergies and cross-fertilisation opportunities

Key Targets:

1. Delivery of the key targets outlined in the TCRD IBH approved business case
2. Establish a series of significant industry funded collaborative research programmes aligned with the IBH strategic research plan
3. Attract fully funded commercial services as outlined in the IBH business plan
4. Identify opportunities to licence IBH intellectual property including existing assets and know-how.
5. Support the all sectors in the barley value chain to secure public sector grants in collaboration with the IBH.
6. Support the creation of spin outs /start-up businesses from the IBH
7. Attract business and research partners to co-locate with the IBH

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Person Specification

Essential

1. Experience working in a commercial or business development role, with a track record of generating income.
2. Experience working within agricultural supply chains and processing sectors.
3. Educated to degree level in a relevant academic discipline, or equivalent practical business experience.
4. Experience building networks and strong relationships with key industry players.
5. Strong communication and negotiation skills to secure profitable deals.
6. Practical experience in marketing and communicating clearly with industry stakeholders.

Desirable

1. Direct experience and knowledge of the national or international barley sector.
2. Extensive international contacts within the barley or related agricultural processing sectors.
3. Understanding of crop science and how research and development works nationally and internationally.
4. A formal business qualification or training.
5. Knowledge of intellectual property rights, especially plant variety rights, for commercial licensing.

Additional notes/Requirements

1. Driving licence.
2. Willingness to travel internationally.

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.