Business Development Manager

PlantSea Ltd.; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

31 days holiday including bankholidays

EMI options

Job summary

PlantSea Ltd, based at Liverpool Science Park and the OpTIC Technology Centre, seeks a full-time Business Development Manager. You will own PlantSea’s commercial relationships, driving from lead generation through to formal agreements and working with R&D and operations.

You will engage with international markets, track industry trends, and prepare proposals, presentations and sales materials. A degree in Business/Marketing or related field is preferred, with a passion for sustainability and a

Qualifications

• Experience in business development or B2B sales, working with FMCG brands or other B2B customers.
• Proven track record of managing long-term commercial relationships.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, spreadsheets, reporting and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage PlantSea’s existing commercial relationships and be the primary contact for partners.
• Progress partners through technical evaluation to commercial agreements.
• Generate and qualify new leads and manage follow-up to convert opportunities.
• Conduct market research to track trends and identify target segments.
• Prepare proposals and sales materials with R&D.
• Maintain CRM records and provide pipeline reporting.

Skills

B2B sales

Lead generation

CRM proficiency

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

International markets

Communication

Relationship management

Education

Business/Marketing degree

Tools

CRM systems

MS Excel

Job description

PlantSea Ltd | Liverpool Science Park | £45-50K
Full time, Office Based, Liverpool Science Park & Optic Technology Centre, St Asaph.

About PlantSea

PlantSea is a materials science company developing a seaweed-based biopolymer as a plastic-free, biodegradable alternative to PVOH, the film used in laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. The company operates from Liverpool Science Park and the OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph, with a team of around 15, and is supported by impact investors.

The role

PlantSea has an established network of commercial partners, and the scale of these relationships now requires a dedicated, full-time owner.

The Business Development Manager will take ownership of this portfolio, develop existing partnerships towards commercial agreements, and identify new opportunities. This is a technical, relationship-led role with long sales cycles, reporting to Rhiannon Rees, CEO and working closely with the R&D and operations teams.

Key responsibilities

• Own and manage PlantSea’s existing commercial relationships, providing a professional and responsive point of contact for partners
• Progress partners through technical evaluation to commercial agreements
• Generate and qualify new leads, and manage follow-up to convert opportunities
• Conduct market research to track industry trends, map the competitive landscape and identify target segments
• Prepare proposals, presentations and sales materials in collaboration with R&D
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM, manage the pipeline and provide regular reporting to the leadership team
• Represent PlantSea at industry events, customer meetings and virtual meetings, including international travel

Essential experience and skills

• Experience in business development or B2B sales, working with FMCG companies, brands or other B2B customers such as film manufacturers
• A track record of managing complex, long-term commercial relationships
• Proven lead generation and pipeline management skills
• Proficiency with CRM systems and productivity tools, and confidence with spreadsheets, reporting and basic data analysis
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and business metrics and support strategic decisions
• The ability to engage confidently with technical stakeholders and coordinate input from scientific colleagues
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills
• A demonstrable interest in sustainability, the circular economy and the reduction of plastic in consumer products
• A degree in Business, Marketing, Environmental Studies or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience of working in international markets
• A scientific or technical background

Company pension, 31 days holiday entitlement including bank holidays, EMI options,