Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Travel to industry events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly strategic Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager to drive partnerships, licensing deals, and strategic investments across South Africa and the wider African region. The role is remote with travel to key partners and industry events.

You will lead negotiations, build executive relationships, and collaborate with R&D, legal, and finance to shape growth strategies and maximize value for stakeholders in a dynamic biopharma landscape.

Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree required.
• 7+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or corporate venturing within pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record of identifying, negotiating and closing complex deals.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain, drug development, and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate BD opportunities including partnerships, licensing, M&A.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand market presence and product portfolio.
• Conduct market research and competitive analyses in pharma/biotech.
• Build relationships with industry partners, research institutions, and investors.
• Lead negotiations for complex deals and agreements.
• Prepare business cases, proposals, and strategic plans for executives.
• Collaborate with R&D, legal, and finance on BD initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry conferences and events.
• Manage due diligence for potential transactions.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Negotiation

Deal-making

Financial modeling

Market analysis

Education

MBA or advanced degree in Business, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapies, is seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager . This role offers the significant advantage of remote work, allowing you to leverage your expertise and network from anywhere, with a focus on identifying and cultivating opportunities within the South African and broader African markets. You will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving the company's growth trajectory. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology landscape, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record in deal-making and strategic alliances. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future growth of a dynamic organization and make a substantial impact on the accessibility of innovative medicines. You will be responsible for scouting potential collaborations, licensing agreements, and strategic investments.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential business development opportunities, including strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand the company's market presence and product portfolio.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including industry partners, research institutions, and investors.
• Lead negotiations for complex deals and agreements, ensuring alignment with company objectives and financial targets.
• Prepare and present business cases, proposals, and strategic plans to senior management.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D, legal, and finance, to assess and execute business development initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Manage the due diligence process for potential transactions.

Requirements

• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or corporate venturing within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully identifying, negotiating, and closing complex deals.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain, drug development, and market dynamics.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior executives and key decision-makers.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and valuation techniques.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive results in a remote setting.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant performance-based bonuses and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Remote work flexibility, offering unparalleled autonomy and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for extensive travel to key industry events and partner locations.
• Professional development support and executive coaching.
• Be a key driver in shaping the future of a growing biopharmaceutical company.
• Contribute to bringing life-saving innovations to patients worldwide.