We are seeking an accomplished and highly strategic Vice President of Business Development to lead our global pharmaceutical partnership initiatives. This pivotal role will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and closing strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and other business development opportunities that align with our company's long-term growth objectives and pipeline strategy. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, a proven track record of successful deal execution, and an extensive network of industry contacts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategy Development & Execution:Develop and refine the global business development strategy in alignment with the company's overall corporate and R&D strategies.
Identify and prioritize therapeutic areas, technology platforms, and asset types for potential in-licensing, out-licensing, or co-development
Conduct thorough market landscaping, competitive intelligence, and opportunity assessments to inform strategic decisions.
- Opportunity Sourcing & Evaluation:Proactively identify and source new global partnership opportunities through extensive networking, industry conferences, scientific literature review, and market analysis.
Lead the initial screening and scientific/commercial evaluation of potential assets and partners, working closely with R&D, Clinical Development, Commercial, and Legal teams.
Build and maintain strong relationships with potential partners, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic institutions, and investment groups globally.
- Deal Negotiation & Execution:Lead complex deal negotiations from term sheet through definitive agreement, ensuring alignment with company objectives and favorable terms.
Develop comprehensive financial models, valuation analyses, and deal structures to support decision-making.
Prepare and present detailed business cases and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
Manage the due diligence process, coordinating internal and external experts (legal, financial, regulatory, technical, clinical) to assess opportunities thoroughly.
- Relationship Management:Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with key decision-makers within target partner organizations.
Serve as a primary external face of the company for partnership discussions.
Foster internal cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution and integration of partnerships post-deal.
- Market Intelligence & Trends:Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and shifts in the global pharmaceutical market.
Provide strategic insights and recommendations to guide pipeline development and corporate strategy.
- Team Leadership (if applicable):Potentially build and mentor a high-performing business development team.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability within the team.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline (e.g., Biology, Pharmacy) or a related field is required. An advanced degree (Ph.D. in Life Sciences, M.D., or MBA) is strongly preferred.
- Experience:Minimum of 10-15+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with at least 5-7 years specifically in business development or biotech investment roles (Director/Senior Director level or higher).
Proven track record of successfully identifying, negotiating, and closing significant strategic transactions (e.g., licensing deals, co-development agreements) in the pharmaceutical sector.
Deep understanding of drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development processes, regulatory affairs, and commercialization strategies.
Extensive global network of contacts within pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and the investment community.
Experience with financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring.
- Skills & Competencies:Exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills with a keen ability to navigate complex deal structures.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to identify and articulate value propositions.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences from scientific experts to senior executives.
Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and build consensus.
High level of business acumen, financial literacy, and understanding of legal frameworks relevant to partnerships.
Proactive, results-oriented, and self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
Ability to travel globally as required.