Business Development and Partners Relations Lead

Panacea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare venture builder is seeking a results-driven Business Development Lead to drive commercial growth. Responsibilities include developing partnerships, managing stakeholder relationships, and leading marketing efforts. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of experience in business development within the life sciences sector and a relevant postgraduate degree. This position offers a salary of GBP£40-55k per annum, alongside generous bonuses and various perks.

Benefits

Generous bonus

Several perks

Qualifications

• 2+ years of success in business development within life sciences, biotech, or healthtech.
• Ability to engage with and influence senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to secure partnerships from initial engagement to signing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain business development strategy and revenue pipeline.
• Lead commercial prospecting and tailored proposals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with partners and sponsors.

Skills

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial strategy

Communication skills

Education

MSc, MBA, or PhD in life sciences, healthcare, or deep tech

Tools

CRM systems

Digital marketing platforms

Job description

Panacea is a pioneering life sciences and healthcare venture-building platform committed to transforming scientific innovation for the global good. Founded in 2015, we have forged partnerships with researchers, academic institutions, and industry leaders to launch over 400 companies, collectively valued at more than £2 billion. These companies are at the forefront of providing groundbreaking solutions in life sciences and healthcare. Through our dual channels, Panacea Stars and Panacea Ventures, we offer a comprehensive suite of venturing activities.

Our dynamic team comprises passionate professionals, including PhDs, MBAs, and seasoned entrepreneurs, making us one of the fastest-expanding platforms in our sector across Europe. In light of our growing portfolio of programmes and partnerships, we are seeking to augment our team with individuals who aspire to cultivate high-impact startups from their nascent stage to market realisation. As part of Panacea Stars, you will have the unparalleled chance to influence the trajectory of promising startups, expand your network significantly, and collaborate closely with industry luminaries across various fields.

Panacea Innovation is an equal opportunity employer.

Overview

Panacea Stars is seeking a results-driven, strategic, and entrepreneurial Business Development Lead to help driving the commercial growth of one of the world’s leading venture builders in life sciences and healthcare. This is a high-impact role at the heart of our business, working directly with the leadership team to secure new partnerships, sponsorships, and commercial opportunities that expand our influence and support world-class scientific entrepreneurs.

You will be responsible for identifying new revenue channels, building and maintaining relationships with high-profile stakeholders, and driving execution across commercial, marketing, and engagement functions. You’ll work closely with programme, investment, and partnerships teams to shape value propositions that resonate with corporate, government, and third-sector partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Strategy & Pipeline Development
• Build and own a structured business development strategy and pipeline to drive revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, and service offerings.
• Lead commercial prospecting and proposal development tailored to specific sectors and decision-makers.
• Prepare, deliver, and refine pitches to corporate, philanthropic, academic, and public sector partners.
• Partnerships
• Design and execute high-value partnership models aligned with Panacea’s programmes and thematic priorities.
• Ensure alignment between new commercial offerings and our broader partnership ecosystem, maximising cross-selling and strategic engagement opportunities.
• Represent Panacea Stars at relevant conferences, networking events, and meetings to elevate visibility and secure new relationships.
• Relationship Management
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external partners, sponsors, supporters, and prospects across life sciences, healthcare, and adjacent industries.
• Secure and lead high-level new business meetings with C-suite executives and industry leaders.
• Maintain accurate records of engagement, using CRM tools to track leads, performance, and next steps.
• Marketing, Communications & Brand Exposure
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to shape consistent outbound messaging and marketing campaigns (email, social, website).
• Develop and execute communications strategies to ensure Panacea’s programmes, events, and portfolio success stories are visible to key stakeholders.
• Ensure external-facing content is high-quality, consistent, and aligned with our brand tone and business goals.
• Operational Contribution
• Support annual planning and reporting for commercial targets, and contribute to team-wide goal setting.
• Apply data-driven analysis to assess marketing and outreach performance against agreed KPIs.
• Foster a collaborative and entrepreneurial internal culture, working cross-functionally with programme, investment, and operations teams.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• A background in life sciences, healthcare, or deep tech (ideally MSc, MBA, or PhD).
• 2+ years’ demonstrable success in business development roles within life sciences, biotech, healthtech, or innovation sectors.
• Ability to engage with and influence senior stakeholders, including corporate partners, VCs, and public sector leaders.
• Proven ability to take a prospect from cold lead to signed partnership.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset—ability to craft tailored propositions and close strategic deals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including pitch and proposal development.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital marketing platforms to track performance and optimise outreach.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Strong existing network in healthcare, pharma, biotech, diagnostics, or AI-driven innovation.
• Experience with email marketing, SEO, and digital communications strategy.
• Familiarity with innovation ecosystems, accelerators, venture capital, or university tech transfer offices.

Compensation

• GBP£40-55k / annum based on experience
• Generous bonus
• Several perks