Business Development Lead

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a Business Development Lead to spearhead initiatives within the health innovation sector. This role involves leading a team to engage with diverse stakeholders, ensuring effective delivery of key services, and fostering collaboration across the UK’s research ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of healthcare product development and demonstrate excellent communication and strategic thinking skills. This forward-thinking company offers a hybrid working environment, competitive salary, and a range of benefits, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about driving innovation in health and care research.

Benefits

25 days leave

Pension

Life Insurance

Healthcare

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with industry at senior levels.
• Understanding of healthcare product development and translational research.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Business Development Managers.
• Engage with companies to facilitate access to NIHR resources.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with new company accounts.

Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Skills

Team Leadership

Education

BSc / Medical Degree

Advanced Degree (MSc / PhD)

Tools

CRM Software

Job description

We are looking for a Business Development Lead to join the NIHRCC's Business Development Team hosted in LGC’s Grant Management Group (GMG).

The NIHRCC Business Development Team engages with a wide range of companies from SMEs to large multinationals across sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, IVDs, and digital technology. Our work supports industry in navigating the UK’s research ecosystem, accessing expertise, facilities, data, patients, and samples, and fostering collaboration. We collaborate with government departments and organizations such as HINs, the Department for Business and Trade, BioAlberta, NHSA, and the Office for Life Sciences. Our goal is to support companies along the innovation pathway and promote UK investment in health and care research.

You will lead a team of Business Development Managers to ensure effective delivery of the team’s objectives, including key NIHR Industry services and stakeholder engagement. You will collaborate closely with the Head of Business Development and other colleagues to shape and implement the strategic aims of NIHR Industry.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of the UK health innovation ecosystem, current technological developments, and routes for commercial exploitation. You will act as an ambassador for NIHR, promoting its support for industry, especially within the Life Sciences Sector, and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Manage a team of BD Managers
2. Engage with companies developing therapeutic and healthcare innovations to facilitate their access to NIHR resources and support evidence generation for product development
3. Ensure team compliance with work instructions, tools, and systems, fostering continuous improvement and consistent reporting
4. Contribute to strategic and operational planning, and ensure timely reporting
5. Develop and maintain strategic relationships with new company accounts to support product development pipelines
6. Lead business development activities, utilizing market intelligence to identify innovative companies globally
7. Collaborate with stakeholders within NIHR and externally to identify health priorities and develop industry-focused offers
8. Engage with the UK’s research and healthcare system to inform and support industry initiatives
9. Develop marketing materials and coordinate with the communications team
10. Support the team’s event strategy by attending conferences and managing NIHR events
11. Assist with cross-NIHR initiatives in collaboration with other teams

Behaviours and Competencies

• Interest in life sciences and healthcare innovation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, adaptable to diverse audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively
• Proactive, inquisitive, and strategic thinker
• Capable of distilling complex scientific concepts quickly
• Independent worker and team leader
• Analytical, organized, and objective-driven

Qualifications

Required Criteria

• BSc / Medical degree with a focus on biology and/or chemistry
• Experience engaging with industry at senior levels
• Understanding of healthcare product development and translational research
• Experience in line management and operational delivery
• Effective communication skills

Desired Criteria

• Industry experience in healthcare product development or related services
• Knowledge of the UK health research system and NHS
• Experience with CRM software and market intelligence analysis
• Advanced degree (MSc / PhD) in a related field
• Project management skills and advanced IT capabilities

Additional Information

Salary & Benefits: £59,500+ per annum, bonus, 25 days leave, pension, life insurance, healthcare, season ticket loan. Hybrid working with occasional travel. Office in Victoria, London.

Application: Submit CV and a Statement of Suitability addressing the 'Required Criteria'. Early applications encouraged.

Company Statement: Committed to valuing individual talents and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.