Vice President, Business Development – Cell & Gene Technologies

JOB SUMMARY 

The Vice President of Business Development, Cell and Gene Technologies is a senior executive responsible for driving strategic growth and partnerships within the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapies for AGC Biologics. This role is tasked with identifying, evaluating, and securing new business opportunities, fostering key relationships, and leading the development and execution of business development strategies to advance the company's goals in this cutting-edge sector.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Planning and Development: 

• Market Analysis and Research: Conduct and/or manage in-depth market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities within the cell and gene therapy landscape.  

• Strategic Partnerships: Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key players in the industry, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, research institutions, and investors.  

• Business Development Strategy: Define and execute a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the company's overall objectives for growth and expansion in cell and gene therapy.  

• Pipeline Development: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize promising cell and gene therapy technologies, products, and therapeutic approaches for potential acquisition, licensing, or joint venture opportunities.  

• Brand Positioning: collaborate with marketing to define brand positioning, raise culture and awareness around AGC Bio in the field through a series of campaigns and activities including conference participation, webinars, specific campaign, road shows, etc. 

Deal Sourcing and Negotiation: 

• Client Acquisition: Scouting for new customers fitting AGC Biologics offering, engaging them and coordinating the response to RFI/RFP, managing client interactions up to the finalization of a service agreement and following the account throughout their partnership with AGC Bio 

• Business Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify, evaluate, and assess new business opportunities, including potential partnerships, licensing agreements, mergers, and acquisitions.  

• Due Diligence and Deal Structuring: Lead due diligence processes, structure transactions, and negotiate agreements to secure favorable terms for strategic collaborations and partnerships.  

• Contract Negotiation and Management: Manage the negotiation and execution of complex agreements, including licensing agreements, joint ventures, and other strategic partnerships.  
   

Relationship Management and Collaboration: 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including potential partners, investors, government agencies, and industry thought leaders.  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal teams, including research and development, clinical development, manufacturing, legal, and finance, to support the successful execution of business development initiatives.  

• Industry Networking: Actively participate in industry conferences, events, and networking activities to build relationships and stay abreast of emerging trends and opportunities in cell and gene therapy.  
   

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: 

• Deep understanding of the cell and gene therapy industry: Expertise in the science, technology, and clinical applications of cell and gene therapies, including knowledge of different therapeutic modalities and regulatory pathways.  

• Business Development Expertise: Extensive experience in business development, including deal sourcing, negotiation, and execution, with a proven track record of success in securing strategic partnerships and collaborations.  

• Strategic Thinking and Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans to identify and pursue new business opportunities within the cell and gene therapy landscape.    

• Communication and Negotiation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong negotiation abilities, and the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.  

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring, with the ability to assess the financial implications of business development initiatives.  

• Networking and Relationship Building: Strong networking skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the cell and gene therapy industry 

• Business Development Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of business development professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to achieve business objectives. 

• Performance Management: Monitor and assess the performance of the business development team, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and driving continuous improvement.  

• Talent Development: Identify and recruit top talent to strengthen the business development team and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.  

• Executive Communication: Effectively communicate business development strategies, progress, and results to senior management, the board of directors, and other key stakeholders. 

• Presentation and Reporting: Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials to convey complex information and insights to internal and external audiences.  

• Market Intelligence: Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory developments in the cell and gene therapy market.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

Required: 

• Bachelor degree in a Life Sciences discipline  

• 10+ years’ relevant experience in sales or transferrable skill

• Existing knowledge of the Cell and/or Gene Therapy including manufacturing processes and control strategy 

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of their time

• Development/Sales activities, preferably in the CMO industry (or in Big Pharma, sourcing CMOs)

• Strong network of contacts in the sales territory. 

• Previous experience with a CDMO organization preferred  

• Master degree or PhD in a Life Sciences discipline