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 contracts
· Leverage your existing network to open doors primarily with cosmetic and adhesive manufacturers and ingredient distributors
· Identify, approach, and engage the right stakeholders across organizations
· Lead commercial negotiations and close agreements
· Build and manage a robust commercial pipeline with a clear path to recurring revenues, supported by structured pipeline management / CRM tools
Technical Sales & Customer Interface - Commercial Lead
You 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 partners
· Own, strategize and steer technical-commercial discussions in close collaboration with Treeless’ product innovation teams
· Lead 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 adhesives
· Position Treeless ingredients clearly against incumbent solutions and competitive alternatives
Requirements
· Higher degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical field. A business background with strong technical exposure is also welcome
· 3+ 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 industries
· Proven track record of winning business, closing contracts, and generating revenue in B2B
· Strong existing industry network with manufacturers, distributors, and key decision-makers
· Deep understanding of industry supply chains, purchasing structures, qualification processes, and decision dynamics
· Excellent negotiation, communication, relational and stakeholder management skills
· Fluent in English and German; French is a plus
· Willingness to travel as required out of Greater Zurich Area, Switzerland
Nice to have
· Experience introducing new or disruptive materials into conservative or regulated markets
· Cumulated experience in big international groups and start-ups
· Experience with long sales cycles, and scale-up transitions
Soft skills & mindset
· Strong entrepreneurial and ownership mindset
· Team-player and sparring partner for Founders and colleagues
· Highly results-driven, with a clear focus on revenue and impact
· Credible, confident, and persuasive at senior stakeholder level
· Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability
· Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environment
· Resilient, persistent, and motivated by building something new
What we offer
We 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 plus
Workload: 80-100 %, candidates must be eligible to work in Switzerland
How to Apply
If this opportunity excites you and you believe you’d be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV, a short cover letter, and any relevant references to contact@treeless.tech.
Job Type: 80-100%