Sales Director - Cosmetic Ingredients
Optify Search are currently partnered with an innovative European biotechnology company developing next-generation sustainable ingredients and data-driven solutions through advanced fermentation technologies.
As the company enters a key commercial growth phase, we are seeking a Director of Sales & Commercial Operations to build commercial traction, establish scalable sales processes, and drive early revenue generation across a portfolio of biotechnology-derived ingredients and digital products.
This is a unique opportunity for a commercially minded builder who enjoys operating in entrepreneurial environments and can combine hands‑on business development with the creation of a repeatable commercial engine.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will take ownership of the commercial function, identifying target markets, developing customer relationships, and converting opportunities into commercial agreements.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the company’s go‑to‑market strategy while working closely with technical, product, operations and leadership teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage a qualified commercial pipeline across multiple product categories.
- Identify and engage key decision‑makers across R&D, innovation, formulation, procurement, sustainability and executive functions.
- Generate commercial opportunities and convert customer interest into paid trials, pilot projects, subscriptions and long‑term commercial agreements.
- Develop and implement CRM processes, sales reporting tools and commercial operating procedures.
- Work cross‑functionally with scientific, technical and operational teams to ensure customer requirements align with product readiness and delivery capabilities.
- Provide commercial forecasting, pipeline visibility and market intelligence to support strategic decision‑making.
- Gather customer feedback and market insights to help refine product positioning and commercial strategy.
- Support the development of a scalable commercial organisation as the business continues to grow.
Experience & Skills
- Proven success in B2B sales, business development or commercial leadership roles.
- Experience selling technical, scientific or innovation‑led products.
- Strong business development, negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Ability to build and manage a sales pipeline from prospecting through to contract execution.
- Commercially focused with a strong understanding of customer buying processes.
- Experience working within growth‑stage, entrepreneurial or fast‑moving environments is advantageous.
- Fluent English is required. Additional European languages, particularly French, would be beneficial.
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to join a pioneering biotechnology company at a pivotal stage of growth.
- Significant ownership and visibility within the business.
- Direct interaction with senior leadership and key strategic decisions.
- The chance to build and shape a commercial organisation from the ground up.