Commercial Director

Founded in 2016, MiAlgae is a high-growth science and technology business which aims to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. 

The company aims to eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. MiAlgae’s zero-waste solution recycles co-products from food and drink production to grow Omega-3 rich micro-algae, returning clean water, and a sellable bi-product in the process. The resulting by-product is then sold to a variety of animal feed manufacturers within the UK and internationally. 

It is an exciting, yet critical point in the development of the business and MiAlgae is planning a Series A fundraising round in 2023 which will allow them to begin scaling our operation and capability. 

Alongside this fundraise, there is a requirement to appoint an experienced Commercial Director to the business. Reporting to the Managing Director you will be responsible for developing the commercial proposals and funding mechanisms to build out capability via bioreactors onto distillery sites across Scotland and abroad. You will also be responsible for delivering non-dilutive financing for these projects and developing the associated commercial structures (including SPVs) that make this possible. Subsequently you will play the lead role in securing ingredient supply contracts with animal feed manufacturers. 

In developing a long-term commercial strategy and high performing team, you will also assume a large degree of responsibility to conduct market research and analysis to create detailed business plans on commercial opportunities (expansion, business development etc.) and will, in due course, build and run a business development team to acquire new customers.  

More broadly as part of the Executive team, you will be involved in developing strategic and financial guidance to ensure that the company’s financial commitments are met and will develop and implement commercial strategies according to company goals and objectives aiming to accelerate growth. 

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Commercial leader who brings the right blend of personal qualities to integrate into a scaling entrepreneurial business (Integrity, Commitment, Teamwork, Innovation and Leadership) and commercial acumen.  

The successful individual will possess [ideally] most of the following; 

• Experience of developing complex commercial contracts with direct experience of securing project funding, licensing deals and/or creating SPVs to support this 
• A proven track record of commercial growth and business development in a high-growth organisation 
• An in-depth understanding of market research methods and analysis 
• Degree-level education with an MBA being advantageous 
• Proven experience working within a leadership/management role with responsibility for strategic direction/change 
• The desire to act in both a hands-on and strategic capacity within a small and agile organisation