IOAS is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our team
The IOAS is a leading, mission driven, non-profit organization incorporated in North Dakota, USA with staff around the globe. We work in the field of accreditation and assessment of bodies engaged in inspection and certification of organic and sustainable agriculture and related fields. In 2022, we celebrated 25 years of ‘Cultivating integrity and trust across the organic community’.The accreditation and assessment services we provide cover organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, organic textiles, organic and natural cosmetics, recycled products, animal welfare claims, fair trade, social compliance and food safety. IOAS clients are based all over the world.The day-to-day work of the IOAS is performed by a team of core staff working remotely from 4 continents with support from a number of contracted assessors and technical experts. For more information about our work, please visit www.ioas.org.
As the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and driving growth in alignment with IOAS’s mission and values. You will work closely with leadership to design and execute strategies that expand our impact in the organic and sustainability sectors.
Terms
- This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week.
- You will work from your own home office, during your home country working hours. Location is flexible.
- IOAS will pay for internet and basic office costs.
- The salary for this position will be market-related and based on experience.
- Some travel is required in support of business development.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement targeted business development strategies to grow IOAS’s presence in the global sustainability accreditation market.
- Research and evaluate emerging conformity assessment trends, schemes, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability standards to inform strategic direction, service development and market positioning.
- Identify growth opportunities in emerging markets, eco-label schemes, and sustainability sectors.
- Monitor and analyze regulatory trends at international, regional, and national levels that impact accreditation and conformity assessment activities within the organic and sustainability accreditation field.
- Monitor client feedback and competitor activity to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
- Build and foster strategic relationships with scheme owners, regulators, certification bodies, and other stakeholders in the sustainability assurance ecosystem.
- Collaborate with internal teams to deliver client and market-focused solutions.
- Identify and pursue opportunities with certification bodies seeking accreditation in organic, sustainability, and related sectors.
- Represent IOAS at conferences, trade shows, webinars, and industry events.
- Lead proposal writing, bids, and contractual negotiations.
- Provide regular reports and forecasts on pipeline activity, KPIs, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
Requirements
- Enthusiasm for the mission of IOAS.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, International Relations, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, preferably within certification, accreditation, sustainability, and/or agricultural sectors.
- Proven track record of building strategic partnerships and closing deals.
- Experience in accreditation or certification activities is desirable.
- Development or sales experience with proven success.
- Strong understanding of organic and/or sustainability standards, certification and /or accreditation systems (e.g. IFOAM, ISO, etc.).
- Market research experience.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work independently in a remote setting.
- Proficiency in English required; additional languages are a plus.
- Willingness to travel internationally as needed.
- Knowledge of sustainability and/or agriculture schemes and global standards and legislation.
- Experience working in a diverse, global team.
Why Work with IOAS?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization with global impact.
- Work remotely with flexible hours and a collaborative international team.
- Help shape the future of sustainable accreditation and market integrity.
- Competitive salary based on experience and location.
Applicants must be able to work remotely on their own as well as part of a multi-cultural team, show good attention to detail and maintain the highest level of integrity. Ideal starting date: early 2026.
Application
Please submit a letter of motivation, Curriculum Vitae, References, and copies of applicable certifications/qualifications to recruitment@ioas.org with subject line ‘Business Development Manager Attn: Executive Director”
Closing date is 31 October, 2025