Senior Director, Business Development (Defense)

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. We help companies chart their roadmaps toward commercialization and profitability by building custom techno-economic analyses (TEA) and lifecycle assessments (LCA). We match companies with contract manufacturers (CMOs) to help companies secure capacity and meet production needs. And we undertake large capital projects, working with companies to develop, finance, construct, and operate dedicated, modular fermentation facilities so they can produce at scale.

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

Recent program announcements from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) focused on domestic bio-industrial supply chains (https://www.usbiomanufacturing.com/) aim to catalyze domestic biomanufacturing infrastructure and Synonym is well positioned to take advantage of these new funding opportunities to drive our business and the biomanufacturing sector forward.

Synonym is seeking a Senior Director, Business Development (Defense) who will be responsible for identifying and developing business opportunities for biomanufactured products within DoD supply chains, with a particular focus on urgent supply constraints and opportunities at traditional DoD contractors.

Synonym’s Senior Director, Business Development (Defense) will report to our Chief Investment Officer and closely work with other members of the team.

Outcomes and Mandate

• Develop and execute a comprehensive need-finding strategy targeted at the DoD and its prime contractors, focusing on critical supply chain issues where a biomanufactured product offers a compelling solution.

• Identify biomanufactured products from Synonym’s portfolio or partner pipeline that can address the identified needs.

• Lead the development and delivery of impactful sales presentations that effectively communicate the value proposition of Synonym solutions to DoD suppliers.

• Negotiate and close contracts with DoD and prime contractors, ensuring alignment with company objectives

• Analyze DoD solicitation documents (RFPs, RFQs) to understand specific requirements and product specifications.

• Facilitate strong relationships with key decision-makers within the DoD supply chain.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful project execution upon contract award.

Competencies

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in business development or a related sales role, preferably within the defense industry.

• Proven track record of identifying and developing new business opportunities within the contractor and DoD ecosystem.

• In-depth understanding of the DoD procurement process and defense contractor procurement processes.

• Understanding of biomanufacturing processes and their applications.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor presentations to different audiences.

• Ability to build strong relationships and navigate complex sales cycles.

• Background in engineering or biomanufacturing-related science preferred

Other Details

• Location: Remote

• This position may be filled as either a part-time contract basis, full-time contract basis, contract-to-hire, or full-time hire depending on candidate match and needs.

• Travel: This position will require regular travel to meet with potential partners.

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.