Business Development Lead - unspun

About the job

We're seeking an experienced Business Development Lead to join our Commercialization team and drive the adoption of our revolutionary Vega™ 3D weaving technology across global apparel manufacturing partners. The role’s location can be flexible between North America / Europe and requires frequent international travel to client sites and periodic travel to our company’s headquarters in the Bay Area, California.

About Us

unspun is on a mission to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% by revolutionizing the way we make clothes. Recently featured in Time's Best Inventions & Fast Company's World Changing Ideas, we're transitioning the trillion-dollar apparel world into one that's more intentional, inclusive, and efficient. Our proprietary Vega™ technology combines 3D printing and automated textile manufacturing to disrupt the industry.

About You

You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the apparel manufacturing industry. You thrive in fast-paced environments, excel at building relationships with C-suite executives, and have a proven track record of closing complex, high-value deals. Your passion for innovative technologies and sustainable solutions drives you to make a significant impact in the industry.

What You'll Do

• Secure partnerships with 5 key global manufacturing partners, including 2 long-term offtake partners within 12 months
• Oversee deployment of 15-20 Vega™ machines in partner facilities within 18 months
• Develop a scalable, repeatable sales and partnership model for manufacturers
• Build a robust pipeline of potential manufacturing partners, expanding our ecosystem upstream and downstream from yarn suppliers to finishing steps
• Collaborate with Commercialization and Branding teams to align brands, manufacturers, and our go-to-market strategy
• Partner with the Operations team to manage manufacturer relationships and execute scale-up plans
• Travel frequently to manufacturers, industry events, occasionally brands for business development, and some time spent in our Emeryville office.

Ideal Qualities

• 6-8 years in fashion or apparel/textile manufacturing industries, in a partnership management or business development role
• Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills with C-suite executives
• Strong financial acumen and ability to present complex business cases to C-level executives
• Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, economics, and emerging technologies
• Ability to collaborate with engineering, operations, and product teams
• Agility to thrive in a rapidly scaling environment

Bonus Points

• Experience with innovative manufacturing technologies
• Time spent in apparel/textiles factories
• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
• Experience in North American and European markets
• Passion for sustainability, weaving, or deep tech

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all requirements but have a passion for learning and innovation.

Benefits

The salary for this role is $112,000 USD annually, plus equity benchmarked to the 75th percentile.

Benefits include

• self-regulated vacation policy
• comprehensive (gold & platinum) health/dental/vision insurance
• company sponsored 401k
• monthly gym membership or relevant online education grant of up to $150/month
• pre-tax commuter benefits
• incentive stock options

Our Philosophy

We won’t roll our eyes if your socks don’t match. We get it. But then, if you spend those extra few minutes in the morning matching your socks and shirt, we get that too. Our workspaces are sometimes spotless and sometimes chaotic, and we celebrate messy exploration. We work through complex problems but generate simple and elegant solutions. We strive to look at things differently, and never do anything solely because “that’s the way it’s always been done.”

We’re a team of designers and engineers, industry-veterans and serial entrepreneurs, artists and developers. We’re aspiring chess masters and climbers, bakers and photographers. Originally spun out of Stanford and the University of Colorado, we now call the SF Bay Area home, with strong ties to Hong Kong. We are looking for teammates who share our desire to work on ambitious problems and leave the world better than we found it.

unspun is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to being a diverse team that reflects a broad range of background, thought, and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, status as protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, and people from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.