Solugen

Houston, TX 77035

Position

Director of Strategic Business Partnerships

About Solugen:

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Ready to shape the future? Join us.

Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We’re always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with adaptability. You thrive in an environment where curiosity propels you, questions are celebrated, and insights power your work. As a self-starter, you’ll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture– that’s where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower.

Mission

Solugen’s mission is to decarbonize chemicals manufacturing. As a first step, Solugen is building a 10,000 tpy first commercial plant with the potential to offset up to 37,000 tpy of carbon dioxide equivalents. The Director of Strategic Business Partnerships will be crucial in broadening Solugen’s sales presence in the defense sector and greater government landscape. This role is designed to align our pioneering, carbon-negative solutions with the sustainability goals and procurement requirements of the government, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD). The person in this position will be key to successfully navigating the intricate world of government and military procurement, utilizing extensive industry insight and strategic acumen to foster sustained growth.

Key Outcomes

• Strategic Sales Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive business development and sales strategies that align Solugen’s innovative, biobased solutions with the needs of the US Department of Defense and other government agencies
• Networking and Relationship Building: Forge and nurture strategic relationships with key US government officials, contractors, and industry stakeholders to position Solugen as the go-to source for chemical solutions
• Sales and Lead Generation: Identify potential leads and opportunities within the government and private sectors, particularly in defense, and develop strategies for engagement and conversion
• Contract Negotiation and Closure: Lead negotiations for contracts and agreements with government and private entities, ensuring favorable terms and successful closures
• Market Analysis: Perform in-depth market research to uncover trends, emerging technologies, and opportunities for procurement within the government and defense sectors
• Proposal Development and Submission: Drive the preparation and submission of detailed, technically robust proposals in response to RFPs and other solicitations from government agencies. Advise on government grants and other funding opportunities
• Cross-functional Sales Strategy Execution: Collaborate with product development, engineering, and project management teams to ensure Solugen’s offerings precisely meet or surpass government requirements, specifications, and standards
• Compliance and Ethical Standards: Guarantee that all sales and business development practices are in strict compliance with ethical standards and state/federal regulations
• Industry Representation: Represent Solugen at trade shows, conferences, and other relevant events, delivering presentations and sessions that highlight Solugen’s value proposition to the defense and government sectors

Key Competencies

• Expertise in Government Sales & Contracting: Profound knowledge of government sales cycles, contract negotiations, and procurement processes
• Deep Defense Sector Insights: Comprehensive understanding of both public and private defense sectors, including trends, technologies, procurement practices, and regulatory landscapes
• Strategic Sales and Analytical Skills: Strong capability in formulating sales strategies, analyzing market data for lead generation, and identifying sales opportunities
• Technical and Product Knowledge: Solid grasp of the technical aspects of Solugen’s products, ensuring they meet government operational needs
• Eligibility for Security Clearance: Ability to obtain the necessary security clearance for working on sensitive or classified projects
• Communication and Negotiation Excellence: Exceptional skills in articulating Solugen’s value propositions and negotiating contracts to secure business deals
• Adaptability in Sales Strategies: Flexibility to adapt sales approaches in response to market shifts and changes in government policies

Company Specific

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
• A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles
• Emphasize safety above all else
• Respect for others
• Creative problem solving
• Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in business development, with a significant focus on government and military sales
• Previous relevant government or military service preferred
• MBA preferred
• Demonstrated track record of developing market strategies and securing contracts within the defense sector
• Eligibility for security clearance
• Willingness to travel up to 70%
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and excellent presentation skills
• Local to Houston, TX or Washington D.C. preferred, but exceptional candidates from other locations will be considered. For candidates outside of Houston and D.C., willingness to frequently travel to those locations on the company’s behalf

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.