Director, Business Development at 54gene

54gene was founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong to address the significant gap in the global genomics market; Nearly 90% of genetic material used in pharmaceutical research is Caucasian. Only 2% is African, despite the fact that Africans and people of African ancestry are more genetically diverse than all other world populations combined.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director, Business Development

Location: Lagos
Department: Diagnostics
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Industry: Biotechnology

Job Description

• As a key strategic member of the 54gene team, the Director of Business Development combines sound scientific knowledge with expert business acumen to support corporate growth and development and creation of long-term value for the 54 gene company.
• S/he supports top management by identifying and providing analysis for evaluating new business opportunities including expansion of sales channels for diagnostics, licensing, and collaborations, which may include insurers, banks, pharmacies, research/universities, small start-up companies, and large pharma
• The Director of Business Development, sources and evaluates partnership opportunities, coordinates cross-functional evaluation and diligence teams, and negotiates partnership agreements
• The Director of Business Development will play a key role in establishing the company as a leader in diagnostics in Africa through the execution of deals that further the company’s strategic goals and vision.

Essential Functions
Business Development Strategy:

• Develop and lead business development strategy efforts and searching priorities in alignment with 54gene’s goals for the diagnostics business, to support long-term growth
• Coordinate stakeholders across the company and externally to understand and support key business development needs, identifying gaps in current capabilities and strengths
• Drive the identification of high impact external scientific innovation in the diagnostics business.
• Actively source opportunities via internal and external networking, attending scientific sessions, monitoring of pipelines, news, and other sources such as KOLs and industry leaders
• Lead efforts to business development opportunities in support of the diagnostics business, including licenses, partnerships and collaborations, support long-range planning with business case analyses
• Facilitate scientific evaluations by leading or supporting cross-functional and cross-divisional teams that include representation from multiple functional areas
• Manage technical due diligence to ensure a detailed understanding of the potential and the risks of each opportunity and define the business parameters around potential deals
• Provide recommendations and guidance to senior leadership, and ensure robust and efficient decision-making processes; prepare reports and updates
• Work closely with other Business Development functions to ensure appropriate deal structures and valuations are achieved
• Build consensus for deal rationale among stakeholders and senior leaders.

Corporate Partnerships:

• Reach out externally and internally to share 54gene’s Business Development vision for Diagnostics
• Communicate the company’s Diagnostics services to potential clients and collaborators; act as marketing arm to explain 54gene to different markets
• Support CEO in relationship management and deals with KOL and important clients
• Cultivate and engage new corporate partnerships, in support of growing the Diagnostics Business.
• Lead structuring, negotiating and closing of agreements and licenses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of diagnostics and science, including molecular diagnostics and global business of molecular diagnostics
• Proven track record of negotiating and closing business agreements
• Strong presentation skills, proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences, internally and externally
• Ability to interface effectively with all-levels of staff across differing functional expertise within the organization, including Commercial, Legal, Medical/Science, and Finance
• Superior interpersonal skills, with emphasis on relationship building and networking
• Creative, entrepreneurial thinker with ability to see opportunities where others may not and think creatively on behalf of (potential) clients
• Strong influencing skills and talent for building consensus
• Strong leadership skills with ability to drive teams to decisions
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational abilities with keen attention to detail
• Capable of managing projects and deadlines with autonomy
• Ability to thrive in a complex, cross-functional and science-driven environment
• Cross-cultural competency; ability to work with a diverse, global team
• English fluency; fluency in French is a plus.

Education & Certifications

• Master's Degree in Biology or Life Sciences related field; PhD preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or related Degree preferred; Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), or related field strongly preferred

Experience:

• 5-8+ years of diagnostics, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience,
• 3-5+ years of experience in business development and licensing
• Experience with identifying commercial opportunities in diagnostics, partnerships and deal-making with large companies
• Experience in market research, preferred
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced, swiftly changing entrepreneurial environment; experience in rapidly growing companies, preferred
• Experience working in a company based in multiple locations, preferred; global experience a plus.

Other:

• Authorization to work in Nigeria
• Valid international travel documentation
• U.S. domestic and international travel maybe required.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online