Business Development Lead

Job Overview We are building a fully capitalized, U.S.-based permanent owner of niche scientific instrumentation businesses. The model is long-term, decentralized, and acquisition-led: we aim to acquire exceptional small companies and hold them indefinitely, preserving their culture, autonomy, and technical excellence. We are seeking an entrepreneurial Business Development Lead to be the primary driver of deal sourcing and relationship development in the United States. This role is fundamentally about originating opportunities — building trust with exceptional founders early, often well before a transaction is contemplated — and guiding the right opportunities through to completion. Over time, the role contributes to the thoughtful build-out of what the firm seeks to be a high-quality portfolio. The right person thinks like a long-term owner, enjoys patient, high-integrity relationship building, and is energized by finding outstanding founder-led businesses before intermediaries become involved. Key Responsibilities Deal Origination & Relationship Development (Primary) Proactively identify and build relationships with founder-owned and family-owned scientific instrumentation businesses across the U.S. Develop long-term trust with owners, often years before a transaction. Build and maintain a proprietary pipeline of high-quality opportunities. Source opportunities both on-market and, especially, off-market. Market Mapping & Thesis-Driven Outreach Develop deep familiarity with specific scientific instrument sub-segments (e.g., testing, measurement, lab equipment, niche analytical tools). Map industries systematically: competitors, suppliers, adjacent niches, and founder communities. Prioritize quality over volume — this is not a high-throughput sourcing role. Early-Stage Deal Work (Selective) Conduct initial screening of opportunities (business quality, culture, economics, and long-term fit). Work closely with the founder of Worldly Partners on early diligence and deal shaping. Support management meetings and early negotiations, with senior involvement. Transition execution responsibilities as transactions progress. Build a reputation for integrity, patience, and long-term alignment within the U.S. scientific instruments ecosystem. Develop relationships with accountants, lawyers, bankers, industry executives, and prior founders — without becoming intermediary-dependent. Invest in community building activities to establish a reputation as high-integrity owner of choice at industry trade and professional events. This is not a short-term private equity sourcing role, a quota-driven sales position, or a financial modeling seat. Success is defined by judgment, trust, and the long-term quality of the businesses and relationships brought into the platform. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or related field (MBA preferred) 5–10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnerships Experience building and managing strategic partnerships Strong negotiation and contract management skills Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills Experience working cross-functionally with product, marketing, and leadership teams Working Hours 40 hours per week on site in Neeham, MA Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required depending on business needs Compensation $150,000-$200,000 Medical, dental, and vision insurance 100% employer-paid #J-18808-Ljbffr