Commercial Manager - Agriculture

About Black Bull Biochar

Black Bull Biochar (BBB) is an expanding UK-based company dedicated to promoting the use of biochar, a carbon-enriching material that enhances soil vitality, improves resilience in livestock and crops, and simultaneously sequesters atmospheric carbon. Currently, BBB is growing its footprint across Edinburgh, London, and Manchester and building a team committed to advancing regenerative agriculture and carbon removal technologies.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager with a strong background in agricultural sales to lead our commercial and sales initiatives. This individual will excel in transforming client relationships into formal contracts by leveraging deep sector expertise and an extensive network within the agricultural bedding and livestock supply sectors. The role involves crafting commercial proposals, negotiating contracts, and securing significant supply agreements with stakeholders in agriculture, equine, and poultry industries. The ideal candidate understands the products, customers, and commercial dynamics intimately.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and advance BBB's commercial sales pipeline focused on agriculture, poultry, and livestock bedding markets.
• Negotiate and finalize B2B supply agreements with major agricultural partners, poultry producers, and relevant industry groups.
• Maintain and grow a portfolio of pivotal accounts, fostering enduring partnerships and repeat commercial contracts.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and refine BBB's overarching commercial strategy as the organization expands.
• Identify prospective customers and design attractive commercial offerings.
• Advise product development efforts by incorporating customer feedback and market demands to optimize BBB's bedding products.
• Represent BBB at sector conferences, trade fairs, and industry bodies pertinent to bedding and poultry markets.
• Coordinate with operations, marketing, and production units to ensure commercial commitments align with scalable production capabilities.

Candidate Profile

• Proven success in agricultural sales, specifically in animal bedding, poultry, or related livestock supply chains.
• Demonstrated expertise in closing commercial deals and managing B2B supply contracts and long-term partnerships.
• Strong sector knowledge regarding bedding product manufacturing, customer requirements, and supply chain logistics.
• Strategic mindset capable of developing sales strategies, prioritizing initiatives, and building a commercial function beyond pipeline management.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with experience working alongside large institutional clients, estates, and agricultural enterprises.
• Leadership experience in mentoring or managing teams, with the ability to nurture a growing commercial department.
• Valid UK driving license and readiness to travel as needed.

Preferred Attributes

• Marketing skills to contribute to go-to-market strategies, setting direction, targets, and priorities for bedding and agriculture products.
• Background knowledge in biomass processing, renewable energy, or carbon removal markets is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with rapidly shifting priorities and some ambiguity.

What We Offer

• Engagement in a meaningful, fast-paced climate tech startup shaping the future of carbon removal and sustainable agriculture.
• Opportunity to contribute to and influence a developing organization.
• Comprehensive health insurance including dental, optical, and mental health benefits.
• 25 days of annual leave excluding bank holidays, option for permanent remote work for two weeks annually, and potential to purchase up to 5 additional leave days.
• Chance to make a lasting positive environmental impact through soil restoration, decarbonization, and carbon sequestration.

Additional Information

Applicants must be UK-based and possess the legal right to work in the UK. This is a hybrid role based in Manchester, with the opportunity to work partly remotely.