Commercial Manager - Sales and Licensing in Sheffield

• Commercial Manager - Sales and Licensing
• Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
• Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
• Salary Range: Competitive
• Reports to: Head of CHO Expression Technologies

Syn Gen Sys is a cutting‑edge biotechnology company focused on developing innovative solutions to protein expression problems that biopharma companies face in the production of protein biologics.

By leveraging our proprietary synthetic genetic systems, our mission is to improve biomanufacturing processes and enhance the safety and efficacy of cell and gene therapies.

We are seeking a commercially driven

Commercial Manager with experience in mammalian expression technologies to join our Commercial team.

This role will support and execute sales and licensing activities for Syn Gen Sys’ synthetic promoter technologies, with a focus on biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

This is an execution‑focused role at the interface of science, commercial strategy, and deal delivery.

Working closely with the Head of Commercial, the successful candidate will help build and manage a structured sales pipeline, convert opportunities into commercial outcomes, support licensing activities, and manage and grow a portfolio of licensing agreements across biopharma, CDMO, and research tool markets.

The role is suited to someone who combines strong commercial discipline with experience in life science sales, licensing, or business development, and who is motivated to operate in a focused, high‑impact environment.

The successful candidate will be curious, proactive, and comfortable hunting out opportunities within complex organisations and developing them into long‑term commercial relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales, Licensing and Deal Execution
• Identify, qualify, and progress new commercial opportunities across biopharma development and manufacturing, CDMOs, research tool companies, and academic or clinical development and manufacturing centres.
• Discover and develop opportunities for out‑licensing Syn Gen Sys’ technology.
• Convert prospects into qualified leads, opportunities, and commercial partners.
• Lead or support negotiations for technology use licences, material transfer agreements, and related commercial agreements.
• Prepare proposals, pricing structures, and commercial terms.
• Work with the Head of Commercial and external legal support to finalise contracts.
• Ensure consistency in deal structure, commercial approach, and customer engagement.
• Pipeline and Account Management
• Build, manage, and maintain a structured sales pipeline using CRM tools and data‑driven forecasting.
• Feed the sales pipeline through implementation of structured outreach strategies.
• Progress opportunities through the sales pipeline towards clear commercial outcomes.
• Maintain and expand relationships with existing and prospective customers, including technical, procurement, commercial, and executive stakeholders.

Act as the voice of the customer within Syn Gen Sys.

• Conduct consultative discussions to understand customer workflows, technical challenges, and unmet needs.
• Contribute to improving internal sales processes, documentation, and pipeline discipline.
• Market Engagement and Internal Collaboration
• Represent Syn Gen Sys at relevant industry events, conferences, customer meetings, and partner engagements internationally.
• Support targeted travel for conferences, meetings, and customer engagement. Frequent international travel will be required.
• Work closely with the Head of Commercial on deal prioritisation, commercial strategy, and execution.
• Provide structured feedback on customer needs, market trends, and competitive signals to inform internal decision making.
• Collaborate with internal scientific, technical, commercial, marketing, and IP colleagues to refine messaging, positioning, and licensing strategy.
• Work with the Lead IP Strategist on licensing and customer‑related input and strategy.
• Commercial Operation
• Ensure compliance with CRM processes, forecasting, and reporting standards.
• Support the development of repeatable and scalable sales processes.
• Work with marketing support to improve outreach effectiveness.
• Contribute to growing awareness of Syn Gen Sys in target markets through marketing input, customer insight, social media activity, and attendance at relevant events.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Interested in understanding client’s needs and discovering what would make their jobs easier.
• Curious, informed and driven to seek new opportunities.
• Degree or equivalent experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstratable experience in licensing, technology transfer, life science sales, or business development in a life‑science, biomanufacturing, or research tools context.
• Proven experience identifying, developing, negotiating, and closing commercial opportunities, negotiating and executing licensing or commercial agreements.
• Experience in lead prospecting, customer relationship development, and account management.
• Ability to engage both end users and commercial decision makers in organisations of different maturities, cultures, and sizes.
• Strong understanding of sales processes, including qualification, pipeline management, and deal conversion.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex accounts with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience winning licensing or commercial agreements with significant deal value.
• Familiarity with specific platform technologies such as GS System, Transposases, proprietary CHO celllines, synthetic promoters, or other gene expression technologies.
• Experience with milestone or royalty auditing, licence compliance monitoring, or revenue recognition.
• Experience in early‑stage or scaling biotech companies.
• Existing network within the CMO/CDMO, biopharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing sectors.
• Good technical understanding of vector design, regulation of gene expression, host cell biology, and recombinant protein production in mammalian cells.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing economics.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and results‑driven commission scheme.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme (subject to any legislative changes).
• Enhanced paid sick leave.

At Syn Gen Sys, we foster a collaborative, inclusive, and fast‑paced environment where innovation thrives.

You will have the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies and contribute to the growth of a company whose technologies have real‑world therapeutic impact through applications in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and genetic medicines.

As part of our dynamic team, you will be expected to grow professionally and personally, while making meaningful contributions to the company's goals.

The role has the potential to be remote or hybrid, with the requirement of at least one day per month at our Sheffield offices.

If you choose to spend more time in Sheffield or relocate, the city offers a strong balance of affordability, culture, and access to nature.

Application Process

To apply, submit your CV and any additional information, such as a cover letter, by email to

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates will be invited to Sheffield to meet members of the team and discuss the role at interview.

Syn Gen Sys is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

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