Business Development Manager – Sustainable Materials

A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University-based materials science venture founded by Oxbridge graduates. We are pioneering sustainable, biobased, and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace synthetic, petroleum-based SAPs - widely used in hygiene products (e.g. diapers, menstrual pads, cosmetics) and agriculture.

The global SAP market is worth $9B today, projected to reach $17.6B by 2035. With the upcoming European ban on synthetic SAPs in soils by 2028, A&B Smart Materials is positioned to lead one of the largest materials transitions in decades. We have already secured traction with global leaders.

Our mission is to disrupt this market through next-generation chemistry, IP-driven technology, and a scalable licensing model that achieves both performance and price parity by 2028.

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to accelerate our commercial growth and convert interest from global corporates, clients, and distributors into concrete partnerships and contracts. This role is central to building our sales pipeline, nurturing relationships, and ensuring that our technology translates into market adoption.

Working closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and Business Analyst, the Business Development Manager will own the front line of commercial engagement - from mapping stakeholders to negotiating terms and supporting pilot projects.

Key responsibilities include

• Sales & Partnerships: Build, manage, and grow relationships with major corporates (chemical manufacturers, hygiene companies, agricultural distributors).
• Pipeline Management: Track and advance discussions from first contact through LOIs, NDAs, Joint Development Agreements, and commercial contracts.
• Client Engagement: Prepare tailored proposals, coordinate pilot testing programs, and ensure client needs are met throughout the engagement.
• Market Outreach: Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to expand the company's network and identify new opportunities.
• Collaboration: Work with the Business Analyst to ensure that commercial opportunities are backed by robust market insights and data.
• Negotiation & Closing: Support the CEO in structuring terms and closing high-value partnerships.
• Reporting: Maintain CRM tools and provide regular updates on pipeline progress, KPIs, and client feedback.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of sales, strategy, and sustainability, and who wants to play a direct role in scaling a deeptech venture from Oxford to the global stage.

Essential qualifications and skills

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or partnerships (consulting, startup, or corporate).
• Track record of building and managing B2B relationships, ideally in chemicals, materials, cleantech, or related sectors.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to understand client needs and align them with technical capabilities.
• Self-starter who is proactive, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment.

Desirable

• Existing network in hygiene, agriculture, chemicals, or consumer goods sectors.
• Experience with LOIs, Joint Development Agreements, or licensing contracts.
• International business development experience.
• Strong organisational skills and familiarity with CRM tools.

Location: Oxford (Begbroke Science Park). Hybrid/remote flexibility possible.

Start date: ASAP.

Impact: You will create the digital engine that drives the next generation of sustainable polymers, ensuring our lab discoveries reach global markets faster and more efficiently.

Please note that while the EIT budget is currently exhausted, funding is still available under the EIC, ERC, MSCA, and RI pathways.