[Senior] Manager, Business Development and Operations

permanent vacancy
Written By Karma El Chalabi

Location: London or New York City Area

Position: Full-Time

This is a cross-functional role split evenly between R&D Program Management, Business Development and Operations. The R&D-focused component of the role will be shaped around the successful candidate’s background and preference, with a primary focus on either clinical, nonclinical, or manufacturing operations. 

Research & Development Program Management – Clinical, Nonclinical, or Manufacturing, per candidate profile/preference 

  • Program ownership: own the R&D program, translating overall development strategy into an executable plan aligned with company objectives 

  • Strategic decision-making: act as a key decision-maker on technical and operational matters, balancing scientific rigor, timeline, cost and risk 

  • Procurement: lead vendor assessment and selection for CROs, CDMOs and/or analytical labs, including RFP management, capability evaluation and contract negotiation 

  • Project and budget management: own project planning and execution, including timeline management, functional budget accountability and reconciliation of actual spend to plan 

  • Regulatory ownership: coordinate related regulatory deliverables, including relevant sections of the technical documentation (IND/IMPD/CTA) and submissions, and act as functional point of contact for interactions with regulators (FDA/MHRA/EMA) 

  • Interdependency management: identify and manage interdependencies between own workstreams and other functions (clinical, regulatory, quality, finance) to keep program on track 

  • External interface: serve as the primary point of contact for external advisors, partners, and key opinion leaders (KOLs), ensuring input is incorporated into program strategy and execution 

Business Development and Operations 

  • Market analysis: conduct market sizing, competitive landscape analysis, and commercial assessment of R&D indications to inform business development strategy and target product profile 

  • Financial modelling: build and maintain NPV and discounted cash flow models for assets and business development opportunities to support valuation and deal evaluation 

  • BD strategy support: support identification and stratification of business development opportunities including partnerships, in/out-licensing, and M&A 

  • Investor and partner stakeholder management: help manage day-to-day relationships and communications with investors, partners, and other external stakeholders, including support for investor Q&A and outreach 

  • Fundraising support: support preparation for fundraising rounds, including coordination of terms and instruments for raising of debt and equity capital and maintenance of company capitalization table 

  • Investor materials: develop and maintain investor materials, including pitch decks, data room content, and diligence materials 

  • Governance support: support establishment and implementation of formal governance structure, including preparation for Board meetings 

  • Strategy and planning: input to company-wide strategy, annual operating plan, and goal-setting through objectives and key results (OKRs) 

Experience, skills and qualifications: 

  • Qualification: BSc in Life Sciences, such as Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Immunology and related fields, or a business/finance-related qualification with professional experience in the life sciences industry; MSc or MBA related to the fields above preferred 

  • Experience in either nonclinical or clinical drug development, including experience managing CDMO/CRO relationships and regulatory deliverables 

  • Strong professional experience in consulting, financial services, or the life sciences industry, with exposure to the biotech/pharmaceutical industry and drug development processes 

  • Experience with financial modelling (e.g. DCF analysis) is a strong plus 

  • Demonstrated project experience around strategy development, vendor management, and business process execution 

  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; experience leading and developing team members is a plus 

  • Strong stakeholder management skills; ability to work effectively with external advisors, partners, KOLs, and investors in cross-functional and international teams 

  • Able to prioritize work activity and manage conflicting priorities across two functional areas in a fast-paced environment 

  • Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability for strategic and conceptual thinking, with strong written and spoken communication 

  • A track record of creativity, multi-tasking and self-starter skills, and entrepreneurial mindset 

  • Embraces new technology and ways of working effectively, including application of AI tools for productivity 

To apply, please send your CV to leonie@kadencebio.com

Karma El Chalabi