Nature Finance Business Development Lead

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

1d•£63,978 - £67,894•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is pivotal in unlocking the commercial potential of UKCEH's science within the nature finance sector. The Nature Finance Business Development Lead will help organizations navigate emerging nature and biodiversity frameworks, creating opportunities for scientific impact at scale. Acting as the senior commercial representative, the role involves building strategic relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organizations, and nature market developers to identify where UKCEH's scientific expertise can deliver value. The position requires a blend of commercial acumen, relationship-building, and communication skills to translate market needs into impactful scientific solutions, positioning UKCEH at the forefront of environmental innovation and supporting nature recovery and sustainable economic growth.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Benefits

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)