Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Business Development and Corporate Strategy for a direct hire opportunity with one of our clients, a commercial-stage biotechnology company in the Los Angeles, CA area. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
Position Title: Head of Business Development and Corporate Strategy
Position Type: Direct Hire
Salary Range: $175,000-245,000
Workplace: Onsite in the Los Angeles, CA area
Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director/Senior Director of Business Development & Corporate Strategy to catalyze the next wave of innovation and growth for a leading advanced therapeutics company. This leader will drive transformative partnerships, acquisition strategies, and external innovation initiatives—enabling the organization to expand and diversify its global portfolio of high-impact, late-stage (Phase II/III) and first-in-class assets. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in biopharmaceutical deal-making, exceptional cross-functional leadership, and a sharp acumen for evaluating and advancing cutting-edge therapeutic opportunities and manufacturing alliances.
Responsibilities
Strategic Growth & External Innovation
- Serve as a core architect of corporate strategy, proactively identifying external innovation, investment, and partnership opportunities that align with the organization’s long-term vision.
- Lead the end-to-end process for strategic transactions—including search, evaluation, and execution of transformative deals focused on first-in-class or highly differentiated assets across advanced therapeutic modalities (e.g., antibody-drug conjugates, cellular platforms).
Biotech Asset Acquisition & Business Development
- Scout, assess, and secure clinical- to commercial-stage assets, with a focus on late-stage programs in immunotherapy, oncology, urology, and advanced biologics.
- Conduct rigorous scientific and commercial due diligence, collaborating cross-functionally with Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, IP, Finance, and Commercial teams.
- Develop robust market forecasts, valuation models, scenario analyses, and competitive landscape reviews to support decision-making and maximize portfolio value.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure holistic asset evaluation and optimal integration.
CDMO Business Development & Partnership Strategy
- Spearhead development and execution of the company’s CDMO (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization) growth strategy, positioning proprietary manufacturing expertise as a critical partner for emerging and established biotechnology companies.
- Identify, engage, and secure CDMO collaboration opportunities—structuring creative proposals and solutions that leverage technical and operational strengths.
- Work closely with Technical Operations, Quality, and Regulatory colleagues to ensure alignment around timelines, operational feasibility, and partner success.
- Represent the company at key industry and client-facing conferences, building new relationships and advocating for the value proposition of its CDMO capabilities.
Deal Structuring, Negotiation & Execution
- Lead the structuring, negotiation, and closing of term sheets and definitive agreements for business development and CDMO transactions.
- Orchestrate comprehensive due diligence and contract development processes, ensuring internal alignment and governance throughout transaction lifecycles.
- Advise the CEO and Executive Team on corporate strategy formulation, growth initiatives, and long-range portfolio planning.
- Prepare and present executive summaries, board materials, and strategic recommendations based on real-time market intelligence and opportunity assessments.
Qualifications
Core Requirements
- 7-10+ years of progressive business development experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector.
- Proven track record executing business development, M&A, licensing, or investment transactions from origination through closing.
- Advanced degree required (MBA, PhD, MD, or equivalent scientific/business discipline).
- Strong understanding of advanced therapeutic modalities, including ADCs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, or complex drug platforms.
- Deep financial expertise in valuation modeling, risk/return analysis, and sophisticated deal structuring.
- Exceptional executive presence and communication skills; able to build trust and influence across diverse internal and external audiences.
- High-impact cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management capabilities, engaging teams across Clinical, Operations, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including international destinations.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with board-level communications or presenting to investment committees.
- Direct leadership or support of CDMO business development or strategic alliances.
- Established network within the biotech venture capital/private equity ecosystem.
- Expertise in immuno-oncology, cellular therapies, urology, or related advanced modalities.
- Background in consulting or operations within high-growth or commercial-stage biopharma environments.
- Experience navigating and partnering within international biopharma markets, especially in China.
- Prior experience in life sciences-focused investment banking, venture capital, or private equity settings.