Senior Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Stock options

Sandton office access

Global conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, and potential M&A deals. This on-site role collaborates with senior leadership, R&D, and legal teams to assess and close opportunities.

The ideal candidate has MBA or related degree, 7+ years in BD/strategy within pharma/biotech, and strong negotiation and networking skills. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• MBA, Finance or Pharmacy or related field required.
• 7+ years in pharma/biotech BD, strategy or corporate venturing.
• Proven track record in partnerships and M&A deals.
• Strong understanding of pharma value chain and IP.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue strategic BD opportunities (licensing, partnerships, M&A).
• Conduct market/competitive analyses to inform decisions.
• Develop financial models and valuations for deals.
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms.
• Build relationships with senior industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&D, Legal, Finance, and Commercial teams.
• Prepare business cases and present recommendations to senior management.
• Manage deal pipeline and progression through evaluation stages.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.
• Represent the company at conferences and networking events.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical abilities

Networking

Education

MBA

Finance

Pharmacy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager to join their strategic team in Sandton, Gauteng. This on-site role is critical for identifying and cultivating new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving growth initiatives within the pharmaceutical landscape. You will be responsible for evaluating potential collaborations, licensing opportunities, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) that align with the company’s strategic goals. You will work closely with senior leadership, R&D, and legal teams to assess, negotiate, and close strategic deals. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with excellent networking and negotiation skills, eager to contribute to the company’s expansion in the vibrant commercial district of Sandton. This is a high-impact role offering significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape the future direction of the company. Your expertise in identifying and executing strategic partnerships will be invaluable. The company fosters a performance-driven culture and rewards success. Join us to make a significant contribution to advancing healthcare solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and pursue strategic business development opportunities, including licensing, partnerships, and M&A.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making and opportunity assessment.
• Develop financial models and valuation analyses for potential deals and partnerships.
• Lead negotiations for strategic agreements, ensuring favorable terms for the company.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including potential partners, investors, and key opinion leaders.
• Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, Legal, Finance, Commercial) to assess the feasibility and strategic fit of opportunities.
• Prepare and present business cases, proposals, and recommendations to senior management.
• Manage the deal pipeline and ensure timely progression of opportunities through the evaluation and negotiation stages.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes impacting business development.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards throughout the business development process.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Pharmacy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, or corporate venturing within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully identifying, negotiating, and closing strategic partnerships and M&A deals.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain, drug development process, and intellectual property landscape.
• Expertise in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and deal structuring.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior executives and key industry players.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to travel internationally as required for business development activities.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site at our Sandton office.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided.
• Participation in a lucrative retirement savings plan with significant employer contributions is available.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off are granted.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including executive training programs and global conference attendance.
• Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for equity participation or stock options.
• Access to a robust network of industry contacts.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing and innovative pharmaceutical company.
• A prime office location in Sandton.
• Performance incentives are a key part of the compensation.