We are working in partnership with a B Corp university spin-out developing materials for a more sustainable future. They have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Director to join the leadership team. The role centres on building a high-performing team, driving strategic partnerships, and maximizing revenue through licensing. The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial operations, including pipeline management, business development, sales, and relationship management, preferably within licensing and packaging sectors.

Commercial Director

Position Overview

We are looking for a seasoned and innovative Commercial Director to drive global strategy, business development, and revenue growth within our licensing-based business model. This pivotal leadership role focuses on building a high-performing team, fostering strategic partnerships, and maximizing revenue through licensing collaborations. The ideal candidate will bring a robust background in commercial operations, including pipeline management, business development, sales, and relationship management, ideally within a licensing framework and with familiarity with packaging end-user brands.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a global commercial strategy aligned with business objectives, market trends, and value chains.
• Provide industry insights on trends, competitive dynamics, and consumer demand to shape revenue-driving initiatives.
• Set and achieve ambitious revenue targets through licensing agreements, downstream partnerships, and new business opportunities.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Identify, negotiate, and secure new licensing opportunities to expand market presence.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with licensees, indirect customers, and brands to drive growth.
• Create compelling business proposals and presentations to communicate the value of the company’s offerings.
• Oversee the sales and business development processes, ensuring they align with growth targets and deliver measurable outcomes.

Revenue Optimization & Financial Management

• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning for all commercial and licensing activities.
• Manage and communicate the commercial pipeline to align with financial performance goals.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to licensing agreements, including royalty targets and contractual obligations.
• Define and track KPIs to assess performance, identify growth opportunities, and implement corrective measures as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, product development, legal, and finance teams to execute commercial initiatives seamlessly.
• Oversee the review and compliance of licensing agreements in collaboration with legal teams.
• Align commercial goals with broader product development and marketing strategies.
• Contribute to company-wide initiatives as part of the senior leadership team, including investor relations and fundraising efforts.

High-Impact Communication

• Present commercial updates at Board meetings.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, events, and media engagements.

Market Analysis & Risk Management

• Conduct ongoing market research to evaluate trends and uncover new business opportunities.
• Leverage market and competitive insights to inform commercial strategies.
• Assess and mitigate business risks, ensuring compliance and maximizing growth potential.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global commercial team.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture focused on innovation and accountability.

Candidate Profile

Key Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior commercial leadership, preferably with experience in licensing business models and an understanding of company applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent skills and experience).
• Strong technical aptitude to grasp and communicate technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing commercial strategies.
• Expertise in negotiating and closing complex licensing agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of licensing structures, royalties, and brand management.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue optimization.
• Experience in pipeline and CRM management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with an ability to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership skills with a history of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal and presentation)
• Energetic, self-motivated and action oriented.
• Will involve national and international travel.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience in the packaging industry or related fields, with an established network of strategic contacts.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the commercial trajectory of an innovative company while working at the forefront of the licensing and packaging industries.

Package

• Ca. £100k dependant on experience
• Share options in a fast-growing Cambridge start-up
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Generous holiday package
• Flexible working options
• Private medical cover
• Training and development package