Food Impact Partners

Role Description This is not a traditional sales role. As Commercial Director, US, you will lead Ivy Farm’s market entry into one of the world’s largest and most important protein markets. You will be responsible for: - Developing the commercial strategy - Building customer relationships - Educating the market - Securing strategic partnerships - Generating meaningful commercial commitments ahead of full-scale launch You will work directly with the CEO and leadership team to establish Ivy Farm as a category-defining player in cultivated meat. Success in this role means creating a market where one does not yet exist. What You'll Do - Market Development & Commercial Strategy - Develop and execute Ivy Farm’s U.S. market entry strategy aligned with anticipated FDA approval timelines. - Conduct detailed market assessment work, including customer segmentation, pricing analysis, competitive intelligence, and consumer perception research. - Build a clear roadmap for commercial adoption across retail, foodservice, ingredient, and manufacturing channels. - Establish Ivy Farm’s cultivated Wagyu beef as an ingredient and protein solution for large-scale customers. - Business Development & Sales - Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective customers and strategic partners. - Develop relationships with major retailers, food manufacturers, distributors, meat processors, ingredient companies, and foodservice operators. - Lead customer education initiatives around cultivated meat and its commercial applications. - Negotiate and secure trials, joint development agreements, offtake agreements, and commercial contracts. - Drive the achievement of commercial milestones and long-term sales targets. - Industry Leadership - Represent Ivy Farm at industry conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and tasting events. - Build a strong network across the U.S. protein, food technology, and alternative protein ecosystems. - Act as the voice of the customer internally, helping shape commercial priorities and product positioning. - Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner closely with scientific, regulatory, manufacturing, and executive teams. - Translate complex technical concepts into compelling commercial value propositions. - Support strategic partnerships and future fundraising initiatives when required. Qualifications - 10+ years of B2B sales, business development, or commercial leadership experience within the meat (preference for Beef) or protein for processors, CPG or retail. - Experience selling ingredients, commodities, food products, agricultural products. - Proven track record of delivering significant revenue growth and securing large commercial agreements. - Demonstrated success building new markets, launching products, or developing strategic partnerships. - Experience managing long, consultative sales cycles involving multiple stakeholders. Ideal Background - Existing relationships across retailers, food manufacturers, distributors, processors, or foodservice organizations. - Experience selling novel technologies or scientific products into established industries. - Startup or high-growth company experience preferred. Personal Attributes - Entrepreneurial and highly self-directed. - Comfortable operating without large support teams or established infrastructure. - Resilient and persistent in the face of setbacks. - Commercially creative and opportunity-oriented. - Strong executive presence with the ability to engage senior decision-makers at major organizations. - Highly analytical and detail-oriented with strong commercial acumen. - Excellent communicator and storyteller. Benefits - Lead the U.S. market entry for one of the most exciting companies in cultivated meat. - Build a business from the ground up with direct access to executive leadership. - Work on a product with the potential to transform global food systems. - Help solve major challenges around sustainability, food security, animal welfare, and antibiotic use. - Join at a pivotal stage as Ivy Farm moves from innovation to commercialization. - Enjoy significant autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to create lasting impact.