Nature Finance Business Development Lead

UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension contribution 10%

Hybrid working options

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Wallingford, Lancaster and Edinburgh is seeking a Nature Finance Business Development Lead to unlock the commercial potential of our scientific capabilities in biodiversity and nature finance.

You will build relationships with corporates, financial institutions and government, lead market strategy, and grow a strong pipeline of income while maintaining scientific integrity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial development, business development, or strategic partnerships.
• Ability to translate market needs into commercial propositions.
• Experience with TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and ESG initiatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as UKCEH's lead representative in nature finance and biodiversity markets.
• Represent UKCEH at conferences, working groups, investor forums and client meetings to raise profile and generate commercial opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strategic network across sustainability, ESG, finance, investment and nature market sectors.
• Stay informed on TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions investments.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insight to support UKCEH's commercial and scientific planning.
• Own and manage a commercial pipeline spanning contract research, strategic partnerships, advisory services, data products and programs.
• Identify, develop and convert opportunities into commercial agreements and income.
• Deliver against income targets with pipeline forecasts and progress updates to senior leaders.
• Develop compelling commercial propositions aligning market needs with UKCEH's scientific expertise.

Skills

Commercial development

Business development

Strategic partnerships

Relationship management

Negotiation

Job description

Salary - £63,978 - £67, 894

Hybrid working (50/50)

Permanent, Full-time

Location: Wallingford, Bangor (Wales), Lancaster and Edinburgh

Closing date for applications: 7th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

How can organisations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of nature finance, biodiversity disclosure and environmental markets with confidence?

From mandatory biodiversity disclosure frameworks such as Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to the rapid growth of Biodiversity Net Gain and emerging biodiversity credit markets, organisations are increasingly seeking trusted scientific expertise to inform critical business and investment decisions. UKCEH is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, bringing together some of the UK's leading expertise in ecosystem assessment, species monitoring, land use change and nature-based solutions, underpinned by world-class environmental science and data.

As our Nature Finance Business Development Lead, you will play a pivotal role in unlocking the commercial potential of UKCEH's science, helping organisations navigate emerging nature and biodiversity frameworks while creating opportunities for scientific impact at scale. Acting as UKCEH's senior commercial representative within the nature finance sector, you will build strategic relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organisations and nature market developers, identifying where our scientific expertise can deliver meaningful value.

Working closely with scientists, research leaders and commercial colleagues, the post-holder will lead business development activities, develop strategic partnerships and grow a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities across the rapidly evolving nature finance market. Combining commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building and communication skills, they will translate market needs into impactful scientific solutions, helping to position UKCEH at the forefront of environmental innovation while supporting nature recovery and sustainable economic growth.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Strategic External Representation & Market Positioning

• Act as UKCEH's lead representative in nature finance and biodiversity markets, engaging senior stakeholders across financial institutions, corporates, government, NGOs and market developers.
• Represent UKCEH at conferences, working groups, investor forums and client meetings to raise profile and generate commercial opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strategic network across sustainability, ESG, finance, investment and nature market sectors.
• Stay informed on emerging developments and opportunities including TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions investment.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insight to support UKCEH's commercial and scientific planning.

Commercial Pipeline Ownership & Income Generation

• Own and manage a commercial pipeline spanning contract research, strategic partnerships, advisory services, data products and collaborative programmes.
• Identify, develop and convert opportunities into commercial agreements and income.
• Deliver against income targets, providing pipeline forecasts and progress updates to senior leaders.
• Develop compelling commercial propositions that align market needs with UKCEH's scientific expertise.

Commercial Negotiation & Partnership Agreements

• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with partners and clients, working closely with finance and research management colleagues.
• Support the development of commercial proposals, bids and partnership opportunities aligned to organisational priorities.
• Assess opportunities with sound judgement, ensuring alignment with UKCEH's values, scientific integrity and reputation.
• Negotiate agreements that deliver commercial success while protecting UKCEH's independence and credibility.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Build and strengthen long-term relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organisations and nature market stakeholders.
• Act as lead relationship manager for key accounts, ensuring a coordinated and high-quality experience across UKCEH.
• Identify opportunities for co-funded programmes, commercial partnerships and wider income generation.
• Collaborate with fundraising and business development colleagues to maximise strategic opportunities.

Cross-UKCEH Commercial Coordination

• Coordinate commercial activity across teams, ensuring a consistent approach to the nature finance market.
• Contribute to business development and pipeline discussions, supporting collaboration across commercial and fundraising teams.
• Maintain accurate records of commercial activity and stakeholder engagement within UKCEH's CRM systems.
• Contribute commercial insight and market intelligence to science area leadership and organisational strategy development.

Science Area Integration & Commercial Enablement

• Develop a detailed understanding of UKCEH's Biodiversity and Land Use (and relevant science from across the wider organisation) research portfolio and identify commercially relevant scientific capabilities and outputs.
• Support scientists in commercial engagement activities, including client meetings, presentations, networking events and partnership discussions.
• Contribute to bids, tenders and funding applications that involve commercial partners, match-funding or co-investment opportunities.
• Promote and embed UKCEH's values within all commercial activities, ensuring high ethical standards and scientific credibility are maintained.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in commercial development, business development, or strategic partnerships, with a track record of generating income and delivering commercial value.
• Strong understanding of the nature finance landscape and emerging frameworks, including TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits, nature-based solutions and ESG-related initiatives.

Demonstrated success in developing commercial opportunities, managing pipelines, negotiating agreements, and building long-term strategic partnerships.

• Experience working with scientific, research or technical organisations, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling commercial propositions.
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders across business, finance, policy and scientific communities.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to identify opportunities that align with organisational goals and values.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing, bid development and presenting to senior audiences.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) + 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)
• Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts
• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives
• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services
• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution
• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes
• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we're happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.