Business Development Associate

About the Role You will support Biosphere’s business development efforts, focused on contract manufacturing. As part of the commercial team, you will be responsible for lead sourcing, engaging with potential and existing customers, communicating customer feedback, and selling the company’s production services. You will collaborate closely with the company’s executive team and be a key part of Biosphere’s strategy to scale revenue using its new class of bioreactors. Responsibilities • Sell Biosphere’s CM services into industries including food, agriculture, and speciality chemicals • Establish and cultivate long term relationships with key customers and partners including the Dept. of War • Develop go-to-market strategies for Biosphere’s production capacity • Develop relationships with supply chain managers and distributors in different application and ingredient verticals • Lead the entire sales cycle from market research, lead generation, and initial contact, through LOI and contract manufacturing agreements • Understand and communicate quality standards, both internally and with / from partners • Lead and oversee interactions between R&D, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Legal, including drafting of commercial agreements • Maintain an up to date pipeline of sales leads Qualifications • College degree in a related technical field, such as Chemical Engineering or Microbiology • 1-2 years of sales or business experience • Self starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated willingness to cold call and hustle for deals • Understanding and interest in negotiation, market dynamics, industry trends, and customer needs in fermentation / biomanufacturing • Excellent communication skills • Willingness to travel within the US Preferred Skills • Previous contract negotiation experience • Background in contract manufacturing, speciality chemicals, ag biologicals, and/or human nutrition sales • Technical understanding of synthetic biology and fermentation derived ingredients • Knowledge of QC/QA, product qualification, and regulatory environment for ingredients in feed and food Benefits At Biosphere, our goal is to empower talented individuals who are driven by the desire to work on tackling society's biggest challenges. To that end, we take pride in striving to be an equal opportunity employer with a healthy work culture, creating an environment where high performers can thrive. We currently offer the following benefits: • Competitive compensation through a mix of salary and equity. • Unlimited paid vacation and sick/leave days + public holidays. • Comprehensive health insurance for employees and their dependents, including dental and vision. • Paid family leave. • Membership at Pacific Pipe Climbing gym next door. Expected Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, normal working hours. Occasional weekend work may be required. We are an in-person company, located in Oakland, California. Other names this role might have: Partnerships, Sales, Sales Development, Commercial Development Biosphere is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.