Director of Business Development

Zymo Chem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy by developing bio-based materials for everyday products. Our platform is powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes that convert renewable feed stocks into high-value materials while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase.

Zymo Chem recently closed a $21 million Series A round of fundraising to support the launch of our first high-performance material and to advance our first partnered product to commercial scale. In addition to this funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, we are also supported by existing revenues from commercial partnerships with world-leading companies and funding from multiple government awards, including a 2023 $ 4MM grant from the Department of Energy.

With a plan to double our team in 2024-25, we seek candidates who are motivated by science & innovation and have a passion to push the boundaries of materials performance. We are collaborative, multidisciplinary, and relentlessly committed to creating a chemicals, materials, and products industry in tune with the 21st century.

Our Mission:
To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Our Vision:
To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.

Our Values:
Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably

Position Summary

Zymo Chem is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Business Development to lead strategic initiatives, build key partnerships, and drive revenue growth. This leader will play a critical role in establishing and expanding Zymo Chem’s footprint in the SAP hygiene and non-hygience industries, leveraging expertise in sales, application development, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate has experience in business development or application development, an extensive network in the hygiene and non-hygience industry, and a proven ability to successfully sell and market products, particularly SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) or related technologies.

This position has an option to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Drive the adoption and commercialization of Bio SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) technology in the hygiene and non hygiene industries.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential customers and key decision-makers to close deals.
• Negotiate and close new business opportunities while considering and collaborating with the executive management team, IP and legal team to ensure Zymo Chem technology is protected.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to align product offerings with market needs and identify new potential markets.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure scalability and alignment of production capabilities with customer demands.
• Actively reach out to and engage with industry stakeholders to develop long-term business relationships.
• Represent Zymo Chem at trade shows, industry events, and conferences to build brand awareness.
• Develop and execute business strategies to achieve revenue and market share goals.
• Identify new market opportunities and partnerships to expand Zymo Chem’s presence across relevant industries.
• Potentially, build sales teams as the company grows.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Requires Masters degree in Business, Marketing, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in business development, application development, or sales, with a strong focus on the absorbent polymer industry.
• Extensive network of contacts within the hygiene and non-hygiene or related industries.
• Proven track record of successfully selling and marketing products, particularly SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) or related technologies.
• Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build lasting relationships.
• Comfortable with traveling for business 30% to 50% of the time.
• Ability to act…