Director - Business Development

Job Title: Director - Business Development

Introduction to role

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) at AstraZeneca plays a crucial role in transforming groundbreaking science into lifesaving medicines that benefit millions globally. Our team operates across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices for new medicines. We also provide expert technical support for all AstraZeneca’s commercial drug substances and products to ensure the successful supply of medicines to patients.

Within PT&D, Sustainable Innovation & Transformational Excellence (xSITE) believes that innovation is key to sustaining PT&D's value contribution to AstraZeneca and its patients. xSITE is expanding its focus to include digital innovations, designing projects that collectively establish a digital twin across PT&D and Operations, while also connecting with other business areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future through exceptional internal and external collaboration.

We are excited to offer a great opportunity for a Director of Business Development. As a crucial member of our team, you will drive the evaluation of xSITE’s extensive innovation pipeline and explore new opportunities in science and technology. You will be responsible for managing the design, setup, and maintenance of all contracts with external partners, including academic institutions, technology providers, and vendors, to support prototyping and feasibility studies, as well as all related business development activities both internally and externally.

Accountabilities

• Provide business development support in creating xSITE business cases to progress innovation projects from ideation to implementation, with a focus on value assessment and delivery, including relationship and stakeholder management, identification and scouting of external opportunities, and establishing new strategic engagements with key partners.

• Oversee transparent and efficient contract processes from initial requests and project scoping through legal negotiation (IP, confidentiality, warranties, indemnities, liability, etc.) to post-signature management and ongoing obligations.

• Scope, draft, and negotiate legal agreements and bespoke contracts with external partners such as academic institutions and technology providers for prototyping and feasibility studies, as well as other innovation-driven activities within PT&D.

• Conduct comprehensive value assessments of innovation projects and business opportunities, assist in defining clear problem statements in early project stages, and gather insights into customer needs.

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders, including senior leaders and functional scientists, ensuring continuous engagement and support.

• Participate in retrospective reviews and align the existing portfolio with the new value framework, analysing innovation metrics to assess project success and impact.

Essential Skills/Experience

• A solid scientific background such as a BSc/MSc qualification in one of the main scientific areas or equivalent experience.

• Extensive experience in business development, particularly within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.

• Strong track record of managing complex partnerships and contract negotiations, including experience with legal and technical aspects such as IP rights, confidentiality, and risk management.

• Experience in applying Generative AI technologies to drive innovation and efficiency.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners.

• Strong strategic and entrepreneurial thinking to identify and develop strategic partnerships and opportunities within the science and technology sectors.

• Ability to drive results through effective project management and prioritization.

• Collaborative mindset with a focus on fostering teamwork and innovation.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive value assessments of scientific and technical projects and to translate findings into strategic business cases.

• Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical development process and innovation ecosystem.

• Exposure to financial analysis and budgeting related to business development activities.

• Familiarity with digital innovation concepts and their application within pharmaceutical development and operations.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to influence decision-making at all organizational levels, with a focus on excellence and accountability.

• Excellent networking and analytical skills, with the ability to challenge the status quo and explore business improvement opportunities.

• Capable of making effective decisions and communicating with conviction and inspiration while maintaining high personal credibility.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an inclusive network of diverse teams where you can thrive. With fair leadership, energised teams, and a shared passion for impacting lives positively, you will experience a sense of belonging like no other.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.