Director, Enterprise Partnerships (Health and Life Sciences)

UOM University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the role of Director, Enterprise Partnerships (Health and Life Sciences). Based in Melbourne, you will lead Enterprise Partnerships across health and life sciences, shaping and converting strategic opportunities to connect the University’s capabilities with industry, government and health services.

You will build influential relationships with senior leaders nationwide and internationally, translate research, education and enterprise

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading strategic partnerships, business development or enterprise activity within health and life sciences.
• Deep knowledge of the health and life sciences sector with ability to translate capabilities into partnership opportunities.
• Experience working with research-intensive, innovation-led organisations and connecting research with external needs.
• Proven track record of building influential relationships across industry, government, healthcare, research and innovation ecosystems.
• Demonstrated commercial judgement in structuring complex partnerships and navigating governance.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership with ability to set direction and develop teams.

Responsibilities

• Originate, shape and convert high-value strategic partnerships, collaborations and commercial opportunities across the health and life sciences sector.
• Build influential relationships with senior leaders across industry, government, healthcare, medical research and innovation, both nationally and internationally.
• Translate the University's capabilities into compelling value propositions for partners.
• Identify and prioritise a strong pipeline of opportunities with disciplined account and performance management.
• Mobilise multidisciplinary expertise to respond to complex opportunities and maximise impact.
• Strengthen a partner-centric approach to enterprise engagement, including data-informed decision-making and CRM usage.
• Lead and develop a high-performing partnerships team aligned to strategic priorities.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Business development

Healthcare knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Job description

Director, Enterprise Partnerships (Health and Life Sciences) Melbourne Enterprise | Melbourne Research and Enterprise Portfolio Full-time | Fixed term for 5 years

The University of Melbourne is home to some of Australia's most significant research, innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities, with a track record that includes strategic agreements with leading global organisations. This is a significant opportunity to build on that foundation, grow the University's external partnerships and unlock new opportunities across the health and life sciences sector.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to lead Enterprise Partnerships across health and life sciences. Reporting to the Executive Director, Partnerships and Precincts, you will identify, shape and convert strategic opportunities that connect the University's world‑class capabilities with industry, government, health services, medical research institutes and other key partners. As a senior institutional interface, you will bring together expertise from across the University to develop high‑impact partnerships that accelerate research translation, support improved health outcomes, build workforce capability, influence policy and generate lasting economic and societal impact.

Key responsibilities

• Originate, shape and convert high-value strategic partnerships, collaborations and commercial opportunities across the health and life sciences sector.
• Build influential relationships with senior leaders across industry, government, healthcare, medical research and innovation, both nationally and internationally.
• Translate the University's research, education, talent, commercialisation and enterprise capabilities into compelling value propositions for partners.
• Identify and prioritise a strong pipeline of opportunities, applying commercial judgement, governance and disciplined account and performance management.
• Mobilise multidisciplinary expertise across faculties, research institutes and professional services to respond to complex opportunities and maximise impact.
• Strengthen a sector‑led, partner‑centric approach to enterprise engagement, including data‑informed decision‑making and effective use of CRM and emerging technologies.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing partnerships team aligned to the University's strategic priorities.

About you You are an accomplished partnerships, commercial, business development or enterprise leader with deep knowledge of the health and life sciences sector and a strong track record of creating and growing complex, high‑value partnerships. You bring strategic insight, commercial acumen and exceptional relationship‑building capability, with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders, navigate complex environments and turn opportunities into meaningful outcomes.

You will bring

• Significant experience leading strategic partnerships, business development or commercial activity within industry, government, healthcare, research or innovation environments.
• Deep knowledge of the health and life sciences sector, with the ability to identify emerging trends across biotechnology, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, precision medicine, research translation and related fields and translate these into strategic partnership opportunities.
• Experience working within, or closely alongside, research‑intensive, innovation‑led or knowledge‑based organisations, with the ability to connect complex research capability with external partner needs.
• A strong track record of establishing and growing influential relationships across industry, government, healthcare, research and innovation ecosystems and converting these into strategic opportunities.
• Demonstrated commercial judgement in structuring complex partnerships, evaluating opportunities, managing risk and navigating governance to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Experience shaping new approaches, capabilities or operating models in complex environments and bringing diverse stakeholders with you.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the judgement and credibility to build alignment and influence senior decision‑makers.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with experience setting direction, building capability and developing high‑performing teams.

Position Description: PD - Director, Enterprise Partnerships (Health, LS).pdf PD - Director, Enterprise Partnerships (Health, LS).docx

Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities

Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact.

Join our community of world‑class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future.

At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority.

Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution.

Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here.

Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward‑thinking leader on the world stage.

Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally.

Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change.

Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together.

Discover more

Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you!

Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail]

Applications close: Monday 9th November 2026 at 11:55pm Melbourne time.

Please note: The University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.