Executive Director / Vice President, Business Development

Autolus-Ltd-; Five Points (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Autolus seeks a strategic BD leader to identify and close high-potential partnerships in oncology and autoimmune space. You will lead deal sourcing, due diligence, and cross-functional negotiations with legal, finance, R&D, and regulatory teams.

The role requires an advanced degree and substantial business development experience in biopharma, with strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills. A globally oriented pipeline and collaboration culture are core to the team.

Qualifications

• Advanced business development experience in biopharma, immunology, autoimmune or oncology.
• Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory pathways, and commercial considerations in oncology.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and evaluation of strategic opportunities (in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, co-development, academic collaborations).
• Build and maintain a pipeline of partnership opportunities globally.
• Lead presentations and communicate Autolus value proposition to potential partners.
• Lead deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, and closing of complex transactions with cross-functional teams.
• Build relationships with biotech, pharma, academic institutions, and strategic partners to enable collaborations.
• Monitor market dynamics to inform partnering strategy and competitive landscape.
• Collaborate with executive, commercial, R&D, and Medical Affairs leadership to align BD strategy with corporate goals.

Skills

Strategic planning

Deal sourcing

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Market intelligence

Communication

Education

MBA / PhD / MD or equivalent

Job description

Work with us Our team are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and Autoimmune disease to deliver life-changing treatments to patients. Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork – together we are ONE Autolus.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Deal Sourcing Lead on the identification and evaluation of strategic opportunities (in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, co-development, academic collaborations etc.)
• Build and maintain a pipeline of high-potential partnership opportunities globally
• Communication Lead on the preparation of impactful and persuasive presentations that effectively demonstrate the Autolus value proposition to potential partners. Represent the company in meetings with potential partners at partnering events, conferences, and investor meetings
• Transaction Execution Lead deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, and closing of complex transactions Partner with legal, finance, R&D, commercial and regulatory teams to execute deals end-to-end
• External Relationship Management Build and maintain relationships with biotech, pharma, academic institutions, and strategic partners to achieve mutual goals. Act as a liaison between companies, ensuring smooth communication, aligning expectations, and resolving conflicts to facilitate successful collaborations.
• Market Intelligence & Competitive Landscape Continuously monitor market dynamics to inform the Autolus value proposition and partnering strategy Analyse competitor activity, emerging science, and commercial trends
• Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate closely with Executive, Commercial, R&D, and Medical Affairs leadership teams to align BD strategy with corporate goals Provide strategic input to the executive leadership team on business development activities

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

E – Essential P – Preferred Experience Demonstrated track record of leading and closing complex BD transactions (partnerships, licensing, M&A) Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory pathways, and commercial considerations in oncology Strong scientific and business acumen, project management skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams Highly networked within the biotech and pharma ecosystems Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, MD)) or equivalent experience in life sciences, business, or related field Substantial business development experience in the biopharma industry, with a strong preference for immunology, autoimmune and oncology exposure.

Autolus Leadership Behaviours (incorporating Core Competencies)

• Clarify direction and inspire; Using good judgement to set clear and compelling goals that show your team how their work contributes to our purpose and strategy
• Deliver goals and plans; Creating joint plans with your team to deliver your goals, holding yourself and others accountable for delivering quality results
• Work collaboratively; Cultivating a network of relationships across the organisation and building high performing teams based on mutual trust and respect
• Optimise potential; Creating a healthy, engaged and empowered working environment that invests in people and their development.
• Role Model our values; Acting as a role model ensuring everything you do is in line with our values of respect, integrity, focus and breakthrough.

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Autolus’ success is driven by equality and inclusion; we believe all voices are of equal value and must be heard. Whilst operating with focus and integrity, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion within our business and our industry.

In addition to this Autolus is proud to offer a competitive salary, performance related bonus as well as private medical insurance, life assurance, and pension.