FACIT Inc. is an award-winning commercialization firm that accelerates breakthrough oncology discoveries from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and other Ontario-based innovators to benefit patients, researchers, investors, and the province’s economy. Employing private sector principles and investment capital, FACIT scales biotech start-ups to drive Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. FACIT’s cutting-edge, public-private commercialization model has helped its portfolio of technologies and start-ups attract over $1.5B in additional investment and numerous clinical trials for patients with cancer. At this national leader, careers are stimulating and rewarding and provide an opportunity to both display and build your skills in commercialization of new therapies and technologies.

Job Purpose

Our team is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with a strong background in drug discovery and development. As a key member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in executing FACIT’s corporate strategy and positioning licensing opportunities for significant transactions to advance the OICR Drug Discovery (DD) Program’s portfolio of cancer therapies. Your expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, coupled with your business acumen, will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of FACIT.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as a dedicated champion at FACIT to commercialize the OICR DD Program’s diverse pipeline of promising oncology therapies.
• Work with FACIT’s business intelligence team to monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to identify new business opportunities and inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to OICR and FACIT senior management based on market intelligence and competitive analysis.
• Develop compelling proposals, presentations, and business cases to effectively communicate OICR’s DD assets to FACIT management and potential partners.
• In-line with a strategy set by senior management, cultivate and manage relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research organizations, and other potential partners related to the OICR DD assets under purview.
• Initiate discussions and collaboration opportunities to drive business development initiatives.
• Support contract negotiations with potential partners. Collaborate with legal, finance, and other teams to ensure contracts are properly reviewed, negotiated, and executed by FACIT senior management.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners for assets under purview, serving as the primary point of contact for ongoing collaborations. Proactively address partner needs, support issue resolutions and identify opportunities for further collaboration and business expansion.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, scientific meetings, and networking events to promote its mission and foster collaboration opportunities.
• Work closely with internal cross-functional teams, including teams at our strategic partner OICR, intellectual property, and finance, to ensure effective coordination and execution of business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather relevant information and ensure alignment with organizational objectives; to enable and foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a scientific background in life sciences, pharmacology, or related fields that provides a strong understanding of molecular biology; a background in medicinal chemistry would be an asset.
• MBA or equivalent business degree would be an asset.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in business development roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, specifically in drug discovery and development.
• Knowledge of the drug discovery and development process, including target identification, hit identification, lead optimization, preclinical development, and clinical trials.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology market landscape, industry trends, and competitive dynamics.
• Possesses network and connections within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic communities, particularly in the oncology field.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.
• A track record of involvement in successful partnership development and contract negotiations.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities, assess risks, and make informed recommendations.
• Proactive, results-driven, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Must be a resident of Ontario, Canada

FACIT has a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Recruiter to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.