Associate Director/Director, Commercial Development, Medicines for All
Join to apply for the Associate Director/Director, Commercial Development, Medicines for All role at Medicines for All Institute.
Medicines for All (M4ALL), part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is dedicated to improving global access to lifesaving medicines through innovation in synthetic processes and technology deployment, supporting treatments for diseases like TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, and more.
The Associate Director/Director of Commercial Development will be the inaugural leader for this role, responsible for establishing and growing the commercial function. This includes designing strategies for market development, business growth, and partnership cultivation, aligned with M4ALL’s mission. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in business development and commercial strategy within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector, with experience in creating and scaling commercial functions.
*Applicants with varying levels of experience are encouraged to apply. The role will be filled at either the Associate Director or Director level, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Commercial Strategy and Function Development
- Establish and lead the Commercial Development function, setting strategic vision and creating processes for client engagement, partnership development, revenue growth, and optimal use of M4ALL’s assets.
- Develop and implement market strategies that align with M4ALL’s mission and expand its impact.
- Create KPIs and reporting frameworks to evaluate effectiveness and growth.
- Business Development and Market Expansion
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, building relationships with industry stakeholders and potential partners.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to position M4ALL’s offerings effectively.
- Develop plans to enter new markets and increase market share.
- Partnership Development and Client Relations
- Build and maintain relationships with clients and partners, ensuring satisfaction.
- Develop collaboration agreements supporting long-term growth.
- Represent M4ALL at industry events to increase visibility and establish thought leadership.
- Revenue Generation and Financial Oversight
- Develop revenue strategies, including pricing and service offerings.
- Work with finance to set targets and monitor performance.
- Report on efforts and market trends to leadership.
- Team Building and Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture.
- Mentor team members and support their growth.
- Develop training programs for team development.
- Marketing and Brand Positioning
- Oversee marketing materials and client documentation.
- Collaborate on brand development and awareness campaigns.
- Establish a consistent brand presence across all touchpoints.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation
- Regularly assess and refine the commercial strategy.
- Implement best practices to optimize efficiency and revenue.
- Use data analytics for decision-making and improvement.
- Strategic Collaboration
- Partner with internal teams to align strategies.
- Advise leadership on market trends and opportunities.
- Engage with industry networks to stay at the forefront.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years in pharmaceutical or life sciences commercial roles, with a strong background in business development and strategy.
- Foundational Experience: Proven success in building a commercial function from scratch.
- Business Development: Success in forming and managing partnerships and client relationships.
- Market Knowledge: Understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, regulations, and cGMP manufacturing.
- Strategic Thinking and Execution: Ability to translate goals into actionable strategies.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Travel: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Advanced Education: MBA, PhD, or relevant advanced degree.
- Sector Experience: Experience in CRO/CDMO/CMO environments.
- Financial Acumen: Revenue modeling, pricing, and financial analysis skills.
- Data Analytics: Experience with CRM and analytics tools.
- Marketing: Experience in branding and marketing strategies.
- Continuous Improvement: Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Industry Network: Established contacts within pharma or biotech sectors.
- Innovation: Experience in change management and implementing new processes.
TITLE DISTINCTION
This role is open to candidates with diverse experience levels. The Director level requires advanced expertise in innovation strategies, technology adoption, and leadership of complex projects and teams.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND LOCATION
This is a remote position, with preference for proximity to Richmond, VA, for in-person meetings. Travel to the site may be required. The role is grant-funded, contingent on ongoing funding.