Associate Director - Business Development

Associate Director - Business Development

Location: Macclesfield

Competitive Package Salary and Benefit Package

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) at AstraZeneca plays a crucial role in transforming groundbreaking science into lifesaving medicines that benefit millions globally. Our team operates across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices for new medicines. We also provide expert technical support for all AstraZeneca’s commercial drug substances and products to ensure the successful supply of medicines to patients.

Within PT&D, Sustainable Innovation & Transformational Excellence (xSITE) believes that innovation is key to sustaining PT&D's value contribution to AstraZeneca and its patients. xSITE is expanding its focus to include digital innovations, designing projects that collectively establish a digital twin across PT&D and Operations, while also connecting with other business areas. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future through exceptional internal and external collaboration.

We are excited to offer a great opportunity for an Associate Director of Business Development. As a crucial member of our team, you will drive the evaluation of xSITE’s extensive innovation pipeline and explore new opportunities in science and technology. You will be responsible for managing the design, setup, and maintenance of all contracts with external partners, including academic institutions, technology providers, and vendors, to support prototyping and feasibility studies, as well as all related business development activities both internally and externally.

Accountabilities

• Create legal agreements with external partners, such as academic institutions and technology providers, for innovation projects.
• Oversee transparent and efficient contract processes from initial requests and project scoping through legal negotiation (IP, confidentiality, warranties, indemnities, liability, etc.) to post-signature management and ongoing obligations.
• Aid in business development and innovation projects, prioritizing value evaluation and delivery with internal and external collaborators.
• Help define clear problem statements in early project stages, gather insights into customer needs, and contribute to projects’ evaluation.
• Participate in retrospective reviews and align the existing portfolio with the new value framework, analysing innovation metrics to assess project success and impact.

Essential Skills/Experience

• A solid scientific background such as a BSc/MSc qualification in one of the main scientific areas or equivalent experience
• Experience in business development, particularly within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.
• Strong track record of managing partnerships and contract negotiations, including experience with legal and technical aspects such as IP rights, confidentiality, and risk management.
• Experience in applying Generative AI technologies to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage and work together with a range of collaborators, such as senior leaders and external partners.
• Ability to achieve results through effective project management and prioritization.
• Collaborative approach with a focus on encouraging teamwork and innovation.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Ability to conduct value assessments of scientific and technical projects.
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical development process and innovation ecosystem.
• Familiarity with digital innovation concepts and their application within pharmaceutical development and operations.
• Excellent networking and analytical skills, with the ability to challenge the status quo and explore business improvement opportunities.
• Capable of making effective decisions and communicating effectively while maintaining high personal credibility.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an inclusive network of diverse teams where you can thrive. With fair leadership, energised teams, and a shared passion for impacting lives positively, you will experience a sense of belonging like no other.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.