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.
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.