Nature Finance Business Development Lead

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

7d•£63,978 - £67,894•Hybrid

About The Position

UKCEH is seeking a Nature Finance Business Development Lead to unlock the commercial potential of its environmental science and help organisations navigate nature finance, biodiversity disclosure and environmental markets. The post-holder will serve as UKCEH's lead commercial representative in the nature finance sector, building strategic relationships with corporates, financial institutions, government organisations and nature market developers, and identifying where UKCEH's scientific expertise can deliver value. The role is focused primarily on nature finance, while also pursuing suitable opportunities in environmental data, land use and natural capital. Working with scientists, research leaders and commercial colleagues, the post-holder will originate, develop and close commercial work, build strategic partnerships and grow a qualified pipeline of opportunities. Priorities during the first 12 to 18 months include taking selected UKCEH offers to market, such as nature-market monitoring, reporting and verification services and high-resolution land-cover data products; developing a pipeline across relevant sectors; and coordinating UKCEH's offer across teams. Income is expected to build over time as the nature finance market matures. The role includes representing UKCEH at conferences and stakeholder forums, providing market intelligence, managing commercial opportunities and key relationships, shaping deal scope and value with Finance colleagues, and supporting proposals, bids and partnership development. The post-holder works with specialist teams responsible for licensing, contracts, finance, project mobilisation and fundraising, and with UKCEH scientists and data specialists who provide scientific expertise. This position does not require the post-holder to be the technical expert. The role is hybrid, with 50/50 hybrid working, and is based at one of the listed locations: Wallingford, Bangor (Wales), Lancaster or Edinburgh. It is a permanent, full-time position. The salary range is £63,978–£67,894.

Requirements

Proven track record of originating, developing and closing commercial work in a technical or B2B environment, with evidence of generating income or partnership value.
Good working knowledge of the nature finance landscape and how organisations are responding to it, including TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions.
Experience managing a commercial pipeline and building long-term client or partner relationships.
Experience working with or selling the work of scientific, research or technical specialists, and ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling commercial propositions.
Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder management skills, including credibility with senior leaders in business, finance, policy and scientific communities.
Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, and ability to identify opportunities aligned with organisational goals and values.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing, bid development and presenting to senior audiences.
Must be able to work in the UK without visa sponsorship; the employer states it cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Nice To Haves

An established network in nature finance, green finance, corporate sustainability or land use investment.
Experience of public sector grant bids or match-funded programmes.

Responsibilities

Act as UKCEH's lead business development 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 its profile and generate commercial opportunities.
Build and maintain a strategic network across sustainability, ESG, finance, investment and nature market sectors.
Monitor developments and opportunities including TNFD, SBTN, Biodiversity Net Gain, biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions investment.
Provide market intelligence and strategic insight for UKCEH's commercial and scientific planning.
Own and manage a commercial pipeline covering contract research, strategic partnerships, advisory services, data products and collaborative programmes.
Identify, develop and convert opportunities into commercial agreements and income, working toward agreed pipeline and income targets and providing regular forecasts and progress updates to senior leaders.
Develop commercial propositions that align market needs with UKCEH's scientific expertise.
Lead commercial discussions with partners and clients, agreeing opportunity scope, value and commercial shape, and develop pricing with Finance colleagues.
Support commercial proposals, bids and partnership opportunities aligned with organisational priorities.
Assess opportunities for alignment with UKCEH's values, scientific integrity and reputation.
Work with Licensing & IPR and Contracts colleagues to secure agreements that deliver commercial value 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 and ensure a coordinated, high-quality client 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 and hand over philanthropic opportunities where appropriate.
Coordinate commercial activity across teams to ensure a consistent approach to the nature finance market.
Contribute to business development and pipeline discussions and collaboration across commercial and fundraising teams.
Maintain accurate records of commercial activity and stakeholder engagement in UKCEH CRM systems.
Contribute commercial insight and market intelligence to science area leadership and organisational strategy development.
Lead customer engagement, opportunity development and commercial relationships from initial conversations through long-term account management.

Benefits

27 days of annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus three days for the Christmas closure.
10% employer pension contribution.
Life assurance and income protection.
Enhanced family-friendly policies.
Flexible and hybrid working options, depending on the role.
Dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts.
Wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Health benefits including 24/7 remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services.
Peer recognition and rewards.
Salary sacrifice benefits including electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle schemes and Cycle2Work.
Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans, subject to terms.