Job Description

About us:

Glass Futures Ltd is a not-for-profit research and technology organisation, supported by multi-national brands and global companies in conducting collaborative innovative research in glass manufacturing, sustainability, and environmentally friendly projects, made possible by a significant private and public sector investment of over 50m+ over the coming years.

Our Centre of Excellence in St Helen's provides global support and expertise to organisations in their sustainability journey, demonstrate disruptive technologies and generate innovative ideas that will have an impact all the way through the glass supply chain to the consumer.

Core Values:

Collaboration | Innovation | Integrity | Safety

Our Vision:

A sustainable future, enabled by glass.

About our Opportunity:

We are looking for a pro-active, customer facing Technical Business Development Lead to join our growing team. In this role, you will play a crucial role in identifying, developing, and securing new members and commercial opportunities that align with Glass Futures' mission. The role requires a dynamic strategic thinker with a proven track record in business development and relationship management to combine technical insight with commercial acumen to grow our membership, secure commercial funding, and identify opportunities for growth.

The successful postholder will focus their efforts on supporting the growth of Glass Futures and will be instrumental in contributing to the continued success of this high-profile not-for-profit organisation.

Due to the nature of our St Helens project (Centre of Excellence), and the collaboration with leading industry experts from the glass and technology sectors, a background in industry is highly advantageous for this role. However, we are also open to hearing from exceptional experienced candidates with a wide scope of experience, demonstrable transferable skills, and core values aligned with our own to become an essential part of our team.

Core Responsibilities:

Business Development:

Proactively identify and evaluate new members, commercial opportunities, partnerships, and funding streams aligned with Glass Futures' technical capabilities and sustainability goals.

Technical Engagement:

Act as a technical liaison between internal R&D teams, members, and other external stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into compelling business propositions.

Proposal Development:

Lead the preparation of project and commercial proposals for collaborative R&D projects, government grants, and commercial contracts.

Stakeholder Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with members, other industry partners, academic institutions, and funding bodies.

Market Analysis:

Engage with a wide variety of stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and policy developments to inform strategic direction.

Project Support:

Work with project managers and technical teams to ensure successful delivery of member projects and commercial contracts.

Required Skills & Experience

Proven experience in business development or commercial roles within a technical or engineering environment. Strong understanding of industrial R&D, preferably in materials science, glass, or sustainable manufacturing. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Degree in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science). Strong understanding of commercialisation pathways for R&D outputs. Familiarity with decarbonisation technologies, circular economy principles, and industrial energy systems. Ability to interpret and communicate technical data to non-technical stakeholders. Skilled in writing technical proposals and business cases. Ability to influence and engage at all levels, from technical teams to C-suite executives.

Desirable

Familiarity with the glass manufacturing sector or related industries. Knowledge of decarbonisation technologies and circular economy principles. Experience working in or with not-for-profit or research organisations.

Salary:

40,000 - 50,000

Working Hours:

Full time, Monday to Friday 37.5 hours - we work flexibly within our core hours of 8am-4pm to support essential work life balance.

Location:

This role is hybrid with some days site-based role at our St Helens facility

Holidays:

27 days holiday plus bank holidays (FTE), pro rata may apply. Plus, additional service days.

Additional standard benefits include:

Pension, private healthcare, life policy, development support

Next Steps:

Please get in touch to express your interest and apply for this exciting role and for the unique opportunity to play a part in future innovation and change.

At Glass Futures we are all about people, we care about the wellbeing of our people, and we value diversity and inclusion, seeking to create a supportive, dynamic environment where talented and dedicated people can develop their career.

Inclusion and diversity are paramount to us here at Glass Futures - we passionately believe that this culture nurtures stronger performances across the wider business. All of our applicants and employees are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of any protected characteristic/s. If you require assistance with regards to reasonable adjustments during your application process with us, then please do not hesitate to contact us - we are committed to providing the best possible candidate experience and will always be happy to help.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free parking Life insurance Private dental insurance Private medical insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in St Helens WA9 5DT

Application deadline: 26/09/2025