Short description
Our client scales the production of beneficial microorganisms for agriculture and technical applications by fermenting biomass residues. Their mission is to create macro solutions that rebalance ecosystems and play a key role in improving planetary health. They explore new frontiers in industrial biotechnology.
In order to prepare for expansion, our client is seeking to attract a Head of Business Development. This driven professional will play a crucial role in defining and executing the company’s commercial growth strategy.
The company
This innovative biotech company is turning biomass residues into fit-for-purpose microbial fertilizers, biostimulants and biocontrols.
At the core of the company’s technology is its innovative use of biomass residues—such as agricultural waste—to cultivate beneficial microorganisms through a novel solid-state fermentation process. These microbes can enhance plant health, degrade pollutants, and even replace traditional chemical processes in a variety of industries. This start-up’s proprietary technology is versatile, scalable, and locally adaptable, offering tailored solutions for sectors like agriculture, waste treatment and industrial bioremediation.
The Head of Business Development will play a crucial role in defining and executing the company’s commercial growth strategy. This professional will be responsible for identifying and securing strategic partnerships, developing innovative business models, and negotiating high-level deals with major players in the agrochemical industry.
The ideal candidate is a senior-level business developer with hands-on experience in closing complex deals, stakeholder engagement and expanding international business opportunities.
Key responsibilities
* Strategic business development: Develop and implement a robust business strategy that supports the company’s growth in the agricultural biotechnology sector.
* Dealmaking & negotiations: Lead high-stakes negotiations with key agro-business players, closing complex deals that drive revenue and market expansion.
* Stakeholder & partnership management: Establish and nurture long-term strategic relationships with European and global agro-companies, licensing partners and industry stakeholders.
* Innovative business models: Design and implement flexible, stepwise pricing and partnership models that build trust and secure long-term collaboration.
* Global market expansion: Develop outreach strategies beyond Europe, ensuring penetration into key international markets.
* Industry expertise: Leverage deep knowledge of fertilizers, pesticides and sustainable agriculture to position the company as a leader in microbial-based solutions.
* Cross-functional leadership: Work closely with R&D, marketing and product teams to align business strategies with product innovation and commercialization.
* Market intelligence & analysis: Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape and regulatory changes to refine go-to-market strategies.
Competences & skills
* Proven track record in senior-level business development.
* Extensive experience in agrochemicals, biologicals or sustainable agriculture with a strong network in the sector. Solid knowledge of the pesticide, fertilizer or agritech market.
* Demonstrated ability to close high-value deals and lead complex negotiations with multinational corporations.
* Expertise in stakeholder engagement, licensing models and strategic partnerships.
* Strong understanding of pricing strategies and scalable business models for innovative agricultural products.
* Product development experience / affinity is a big plus.
* Willing to work hands on and strategically, with a scale-up mindset.
* Fluency in English is required; additional languages are a plus.
* Strong global perspective, ideally with experience working with multinational companies and expanding businesses internationally.
* Based in Belgium or willing to relocate, with the ability to travel internationally and attend weekly meetings near the Belgian border.
What is offered
* Be part of an innovative, fast-growing company driving sustainable agricultural solutions. Enjoy the flexibility to create and execute transformative business strategies.
* Work in a dynamic environment that values creativity, entrepreneurship and impact-driven leadership.
* Lead high-level partnerships with top industry players in Europe and globally.