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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our commercial team and drive growth through partnerships and innovative strategies.
- Company: Join Modern Synthesis, a pioneering biotech company transforming materials for fashion and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private health insurance, and a personal training budget.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable fashion while collaborating with a diverse team of experts.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in commercial roles with leadership experience and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Growth to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract to lead our commercial team through an exciting time for the business. Reporting to the Co-founder & CEO, you will drive the company’s commercial activity through partnerships, brand activity and leading on new market opportunities. The Head of Growth will help join the dots between our customer’s requirements and our technical capabilities, keeping a pulse on market trends and furthering our brand impact within the biomaterials and fashion worlds.
ABOUT US
Modern Synthesis is a biotech company bringing life to materials. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, we work with bacteria to produce an entirely new class of nanocellulose-based materials, which deliver performance without plastics and aesthetics without animal inputs. Designed for applications within fashion and beyond, our biobased materials not only displace animal leathers or plastic-based materials, but also generate entirely new textile possibilities for designers. You can read more about our technology on our website.
We believe that big breakthroughs happen when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide. As a team of biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, and microbes, we benefit from these creative collisions on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.
We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Development, Sales and Partnership Management
- Attract, develop and close long-term commercial deals
- Own the B2B customer journey, from early due diligence to contract signing, collaborating closely with our technical leads throughout the process
- Source and prioritise customer requirements to ensure that all outbound partner collateral reflects clear alignment between customer needs and our solutions
- Manage existing partnerships, working with our R&D team to ensure that development projects run to target timelines, scope, and budget
- Lead terms negotiation and liaise with legal counsel with support from senior leadership
- Close existing pipeline opportunities
- Represent the company with key customers, and at relevant industry events
Commercial Strategy
- Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to develop long-term innovation strategy
- Conduct market segmentation and analysis to support business planning and investment needs
- Build out and refine pricing strategy on an ongoing basis
- Develop and execute go-to-market strategy for new products and services
Brand Development
- Oversee key brand-building initiatives like brand identity refreshes and website builds
- Manage event participation at trade shows and industry events
- Design and manage strategic marketing activations in partnership with our brand partners
Management
- Manage our Partnerships Manager and Content Strategist, fostering their development and building team trust
- Support the growth of our wider team as required
- Manage the commercial budget
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- 10+ years of experience in a commercial role, with a proven track record in a leadership role executing commercial strategy to drive business success
- Effective management and growth of high-performing commercial teams
- Experience working in a start-up or other fast-paced environment, with evidence of driving cross-functional collaboration in the midst of competing priorities
- Experience identifying, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships, including reviewing legal contracts like NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and MTAs (Material Transfer Agreements)
- Proactive and comfortable navigating ambiguity/ wearing multiple hats
- Knowledge of the fashion industry and sustainable materials
- An ability to quickly understand people (and what motivates them)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with key internal and external shareholders and stakeholders
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The following skills and experience are not required for the role, but would be beneficial for a successful applicant:
- Experience using Monday.com or another similar CRM
- An understanding of biodesign, material trends and the circular economy
- Experience marketing or branding an early stage technical innovation
BENEFITS
- Company pension scheme
- Private health insurance, including vision, dental and stipends
- Enhanced parental leave policy
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Flexible working hours and up to two days per week working from home following our policies
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Headspace subscription
- Individual training budget for professional development, including access to LinkedIn Learning
OUR VALUES
Co-Culture – We Co-Culture Change
Co-Culture reflects our commitment to cross-pollination internally and externally, our ability to lean on one another, and our role as a catalyst in both business and culture.
Growth – We Put Growth on a Pedestal
Growth speaks to our inspiration and creative use of biology, our bias towards impact and scale, and our dedication to empowering industry to ‘grow up’ from a harmful past.
By Design – We Do It All By Design
By Design articulates the intentionality, empathy and creativity built into every aspect of our work. It also denotes the importance of accountability and our adherence to core design thinking principles.
OUR HIRING PROCESS
Round 0. Apply online
Round 1. 25 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis
Round 2. 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. Successful candidates will be asked to prepare a case study for the final Round 3.
Round 3. An on-site panel interview, where you’ll present your preparation for the case study and meet with key members of the team.
MODERN SYNTHESIS ED&I STATEMENT
Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The greatest ideas stem from a variety of perspectives, and an environment that supports equal representation and opportunities for all.
We are committed to driving global change. We only have one planet we all call home, and we need to work together to protect it. We believe in collaboration and a culture of debate. Disagreements are a chance to refocus our direction. We call this co-culture.
We welcome people of all races, genders, religions, ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our workplace and are committed to ensuring all our employees are safe, heard, represented and provided with every opportunity to thrive. Equally we will act with integrity, purpose and respect in everything we do. We too are human. We will likely make mistakes and need to continue evolving our approach to ED&I as the world around us changes.
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Head of Growth (Maternity Cover) employer: Modern Synthesis
Contact Detail:
Modern Synthesis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Growth (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements and how you've driven growth in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about trends! Stay updated on market trends and innovations in the biomaterials and fashion sectors. Being knowledgeable will not only impress interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about what we do. It shows initiative and gives us a better sense of your enthusiasm for the role. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Growth (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Growth role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial strategy and partnerships, and show us how you can drive growth at Modern Synthesis.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or closed deals in the past. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Be Authentic: We value genuine personalities! Let your unique voice shine through in your application. Share your passion for sustainable materials and the fashion industry, and why you’re excited about this opportunity with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Modern Synthesis
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Modern Synthesis and their innovative approach to biomaterials. Familiarise yourself with their products and how they fit into the fashion industry. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Growth, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed teams, driven growth, or navigated challenges. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you foster team trust.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
For the final round, you'll need to present a case study. Choose a relevant topic that showcases your strategic thinking and understanding of market trends. Make sure to outline your thought process clearly and be prepared to answer questions about your decisions.
✨Embrace the Culture
Modern Synthesis values co-culture and collaboration. During your interview, express your enthusiasm for working in diverse teams and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines or resolved conflicts creatively.