Commercial Lead - Functional Ingredients

(Senior) Commercial Lead - Functional Ingredients (Cosmetics & Adhesives) (%)Join us in shaping the future of materials!We are a fast-growing startup, a ETH Zurich Spin-off, pioneering sustainable biomaterials made from microorganisms. We develop high-performance, renewable functional ingredients designed to replace petroleum-based additives and materials in applications such as cosmetics, adhesives or advanced composites.We are now looking for a senior, commercially driven professional with deep industry expertise and a solidly established network to actively shape segment-specific market access strategies, build a customer portfolio and a market development pipeline to ensure solid commercial revenue growth for Treeless AG.This role is requiring a deep, practical understanding of the cosmetics and/or adhesives ingredient markets - including supply chain organization, decision-making structures, pricing pattern and logics, specific value propositions requirements, contracting practices as well as long-term commercial partnerships.Key Responsibilities:Revenue Ownership & Business Development - You will be fully accountable for early commercial success:Take primary responsibility for driving early revenues through winning commercial collaborations, ensuring disciplined progression and conversion into revenue-generating commercial contractsLeverage your existing network to open doors primarily with cosmetic and adhesive manufacturers and ingredient distributorsIdentify, approach, and engage the right stakeholders across organizationsLead commercial negotiations and close agreementsBuild and manage a robust commercial pipeline with a clear path to recurring revenues, supported by structured pipeline management / CRM toolsTechnical Sales & Customer Interface - Commercial LeadYou will act as the commercial owner of key customer relationships, ensuring effective coordination between customers and Treeless’ internal technical experts.Serve as the main commercial point of contact for customers and partnersOwn, strategize and steer technical-commercial discussions in close collaboration with Treeless’ product innovation teamsLead the conversion of technical validation into commercial agreements and long-term supply partnerships, working closely with internal R&D and external partners to develop customer-ready commercial and technical documentation.Market, Pricing & Value Proposition Development - You will shape how Treeless competes:Apply your understanding of typical pricing ranges, margins, and purchasing logic in sectors such as cosmetics and adhesivesPosition Treeless ingredients clearly against incumbent solutions and competitive alternativesRequirementsHigher degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical field. A business background with strong technical exposure is also welcome3+ years of experience in technical sales, business development, procurement or key account management in: cosmetic ingredients, adhesive ingredients, specialty chemicals, functional additives or related materials industriesProven track record of winning business, closing contracts, and generating revenue in B2BStrong existing industry network with manufacturers, distributors, and key decision-makersDeep understanding of industry supply chains, purchasing structures, qualification processes, and decision dynamicsExcellent negotiation, communication, relational and stakeholder management skillsFluent in English and German; French is a plusWillingness to travel as required out of Greater Zurich Area, SwitzerlandNice to haveExperience introducing new or disruptive materials into conservative or regulated marketsCumulated experience in big international groups and start-upsExperience with long sales cycles, and scale-up transitionsSoft skills & mindsetStrong entrepreneurial and ownership mindsetTeam-player and sparring partner for Founders and colleaguesHighly results-driven, with a clear focus on revenue and impactCredible, confident, and persuasive at senior stakeholder levelStrategic thinker with hands-on execution abilityComfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environmentResilient, persistent, and motivated by building something newWhat we offerWe offer a key commercial leadership role in a purpose-driven deep-tech biotech startup, with direct impact on the company’s early revenue generation and market positioning. You will play a central role in shaping Treeless’ commercial success and long-term partnerships.You will work closely with an experienced founding team, gain exposure to cutting-edge biomaterials technology, and benefit from a flexible, collaborative environment focused on impact and innovation. We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with responsibility and performance.Location: Zurich / Greater Zurich Area Start Date: To be agreed Language: English and German; French is a plusWorkload: %, candidates must be eligible to work in Switzerland jid301cdeapn jit0208pn jiy26pn