Partnerships and Market Manager

Epoch Biodesign

Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with nylon.

Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling in order to transform currently unrecyclable plastics and textiles into new, virgin-quality materials. Our technology yields substantial reductions in carbon emissions with disruptive unit economics, preventing waste from entering landfill or the environment, allowing us to solve this very urgent challenge.

With our pilot plant already processing nylon 6,6 waste at the multi-tonne level, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. This site will produce material destined for use in garments made by some of the world's biggest fashion, sportswear and luxury brands, and also in components for some of the world's largest car companies.

As Partnerships and Market Manager, your core function will be:

To be our apparel market expert and lead Epoch's engagement with existing and prospective partners within the sector. This role will develop relationships, contribute to policy and regulatory dialogue, and represent the company at key fashion and apparel events. The ultimate objective is to secure long-term offtake agreements for recycled nylon. This is an opportunity to shape how we engage with the apparel industry at a critical time for both Epoch Biodesign and textile to textile recycling.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify emerging trends within the fashion and apparel sector, informing Epoch's marketing and partnership initiatives.

• Develop strategy and propose targets for recycled nylon offtake partnerships.

• Use CRM to maintain pipeline and track activity.

• Develop deep relationships with key decision makers and other influencers.

• Project manage partner sample testing and early production runs.

• Define and optimize pricing structures for partner offtake agreements.

• Compose attractive framework proposals to gain agreement on initial terms.

• Develop and negotiate binding offtake agreements for multi-year supply from our upcoming commercial facilities.

• Support supply-based trade processes, covering taxes and tariffs etc.

• Stay ahead of evolving legislation, standards, and certification shaping recycled material usage in apparel.

• Attend key industry events and tradeshows, participate in panels, round tables etc.

• Provide aftersales support covering deliveries, quality, invoicing, development, etc.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in business, sustainability, materials science, textiles, or a related field.

• Experience in the apparel, textiles, or materials sector - ideally within performance wear or sustainability-focused segments.

• Demonstrated success building and managing B2B partnerships, negotiating offtake agreements, and building supplier relationships - especially with fashion brands, polymer suppliers or yarn spinners.

• Understanding of the apparel value-chain (e.g., polymers, yarns, feedstocks, recycling systems etc.), with the ability to translate and communicate technical concepts into commercial opportunities.

• Deep knowledge of sustainability trends, recycled material adoption, traceability frameworks, and relevant certifications (e.g., GRS, RCS, MMS).

• Working understanding of relevant legislation and policy affecting circular materials and extended producer responsibility (EPR), particularly in the textiles and apparel market.

• Skilled in presenting and pitching to brand partners, representing organisations at industry events, and contributing to public or policy discussions on circular textiles.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.

• Experience working closely with R&D, operations, and marketing teams to align commercial and technical strategies.

Benefits

Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:

• A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)

• Meaningful EMI Share Options

• A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution

• Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality

• Group Income Protection

• Group Critical Illness

• Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm

• Cycle to work scheme

• The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable

On-the-job perks:

• Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks

• Onsite gym

• Various staff social activities

And we are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on-the-job perks