Head of Business Development
On-siteMenlo Park, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead the development and execution of Orca Bio's business development and partnership strategy, including long-term roadmap development and pipeline expansion targets. Own the full deal lifecycle by identifying strategic opportunities, conducting scientific and commercial due diligence, leading negotiations with academic and biotech partners, and overseeing agreement execution. Build and maintain a comprehensive network across academia, venture capital, and pharma sectors to source partnership targets in cell therapy and hematology-oncology. Conduct rigorous evaluations of intellectual property, clinical validation, and regulatory pathways, presenting findings and recommendations to executive leadership. This role requires 12-15+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical business development and a preferred advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
Required Qualifications
- 12-15+ years of progressive experience in business development, licensing, and strategic partnerships in biopharmaceutical, biotech, or related life sciences industry
- demonstrated track record of sourcing, structuring, and successfully executing multiple partnership transactions
- PhD, MD, MBA, and/or advanced degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline (immunology, cell biology, cancer biology, business, or related field)
- Demonstrated expertise in oncology, hematology-oncology, cell therapy, or advanced therapeutics development
- deep understanding of clinical development pathways
- regulatory strategy
- manufacturing considerations
- competitive landscapes in hematology-oncology and/or cell therapy
- Proven ability to lead complex negotiations
- structure creative deal terms
- manage multiple concurrent partnerships at various stages of maturity
- drive deals to close under tight timelines and uncertain conditions
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
- ability to evaluate partnership NPV
- risk-adjusted valuations
- royalty structures
- complex deal economics
- ability to build business cases and financial projections
- Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders, academic researchers, strategic partners, and industry contacts
- ability to develop extensive networks and leverage those networks to identify opportunities
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- ability to articulate complex scientific and business concepts clearly to diverse audiences including scientists, executives, investors, and boards
- comfort with public speaking and external visibility
- Proven ability to operate with high independence and entrepreneurial mindset
- self-directed problem-solver
- ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across geographies and time zones
- Strong interpersonal skills
- track record of cross-functional collaboration
- ability to build credibility and influence with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
Desired Qualifications
- PhD, MD, MBA, and/or advanced degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline (immunology, cell biology, cancer biology, business, or related field) strongly preferred
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