Director, Business Development (Platform)

Synonym enables the commercialization and manufacture of bioproducts—accelerating the world’s transition to better, more sustainable materials and products. We believe that products created using biology will represent the next manufacturing revolution, transforming crucial elements of supply chains across multiple sectors and helping to catalyze a sustainable and decarbonized future.

Synonym works as the strategic biomanufacturing partner for companies building these next-generation bioproducts, helping them to expand and scale seamlessly. We have launched two digital products to help companies on their paths toward commercialization:

• Capacitor, the world's most comprehensive directory of available biomanufacturing infrastructure

• Scaler, a techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) calculator that generates insights designed to help companies optimize their paths to market.

If you want to tackle global challenges that will help support a more sustainable future and be part of a team that will be an integral part of the emerging biomanufacturing ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you!

About This Job

Synonym’s Business Development Director will be responsible for driving growth by building Synonym’s Platform business. Synonym Platform is a suite of software-enabled products that help customers understand and facilitate the journey from R&D to commercialization of their bioproducts.

The Director will lead all parts of the sales process including pipeline generation, deal negotiation and execution with responsibility for achieving revenue targets. They will also help shape product development.

Outcomes and Mandate

• Collaboratively develop, refine and execute a strategic sales strategy and go-to-market plan to achieve and exceed sales targets

• Take ownership of building and nurturing the sales pipeline, leveraging personal networks, industry knowledge, and targeted prospecting efforts to identify and engage potential clients

• Create business development collateral, including decks, term sheets, due diligence requests, and draw up customer contracts in partnership with our engineering and legal teams

• Drive the sales process forward with a sense of urgency, overcoming objections, navigating complex buying cycles, and effectively managing multiple opportunities simultaneously

• Lead negotiations and contract discussions with potential clients, working with legal and leadership to structure agreements that balance customer needs with company objectives

• Synthesize market feedback to understand needs, pain points, and buying behaviors of potential customers, informing the development of compelling value propositions and messaging

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities, customer interactions, and deal progress in CRM software, providing regular updates and forecasts to senior management on sales pipeline health and performance.

Competencies

• Industry Knowledge: Some understanding of the biomanufacturing sector is essential for effectively engaging with potential clients and positioning the product within their context

• Sales Strategy: Ability to develop and execute a strategic sales plan, including prospecting, lead generation, and pipeline management

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for articulating the value proposition, conducting product demonstrations, and negotiating contracts

• Relationship Building: Capability to cultivate and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within target accounts, fostering trust, credibility, and long-term partnerships.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for understanding customer needs, identifying pain points, and proposing tailored solutions that address specific challenges and add value

• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiation techniques and contract management, including the ability to navigate complex sales cycles, overcome objections, and close deals 

• Resilience and Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, remaining resilient in the face of rejection or setbacks, and adapting quickly to evolving market dynamics and customer needs

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proactive and self-motivated approach is critical for taking ownership of sales initiatives, seizing opportunities, and driving growth 

• Required: 5 years prior experience in business development or sales

• Preferred: prior experience within a startup environment

Other Details

• Location: Synonym is a distributed organization, so this role may be remote.

Our team aspires to hire great people and create an environment where we can be happy, feel challenged, and do our best work. It's an exciting time to join Synonym and build that environment from the ground up!

Benefits Include

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Daily lunch allowance

• Beautiful office in SoHo (NYC)

• Competitive compensation packages, including equity

Synonym provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.