Director Business Development – Vaccines, Virology & Gene Therapy - Netherlands

Director Business Development – Vaccines, Virology & Gene Therapy

-Describe the context of the role and company-

Key objectives and responsibilities in this role:

Market Analysis and Strategy Development:

• Support market analysis to identify opportunities and threats in across the virology CRO landscape, specifically vaccines, antivirals and gene therapy.
• Support execution of strategic planning to position Cerba Research as a leader across vaccines, antivirals and gene therapy research and development.

Client Relationship Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key target clients across the biopharma market.
• Expand the client base by securing partnerships, collaborations, and contracts for virology-focused research projects.

Sales Generation:

• Meet or exceed sales targets by driving business growth through successful negotiations and deals within the virology sector.
• Create and implement innovative pricing and sales strategies to maximize profitability.

Contracting and Proposals:

• Support development and execution of agreements with clients, such as confidentiality agreements and master service agreements, compliant with guidance from Legal, Finance and Quality Departments
• Design, write, amend and negotiate task orders, statements of work, and change orders with clients in order to secure business growth.

Product and Service Expansion:

• Identify opportunities to expand Cerba Research’ virology-related services and offerings.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop new service lines or improve existing ones to meet client demands.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Ensure all business development activities comply with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Mitigate risks associated with partnerships, contracts, and project execution within the virology domain.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Provide regular reports and analysis on business development activities, market trends, and revenue performance to the executive leadership team.

Customer Satisfaction and Retention:

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering quality services and fostering long-term relationships.
• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously improve services and address client needs proactively.
• The measurable results might include meeting revenue targets, increasing market share in virology-related projects, successful establishment of strategic partnerships, growth in the client base, and the development of innovative service offerings.

Qualifications and Requirements

Combining scientific expertise with business development skills is crucial for the role of a VP Business Development in virology, enabling the person to navigate the complexities of the field and drive growth for the organization.

Education :

• A relevant advanced degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field (Ph.D., MD, or equivalent) is preferred. An MBA or business-related qualification could also be valuable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Extensive experience in virology research, ideally within pharmaceuticals, biotech, or CRO.
• Virology Expertise: In-depth knowledge of virology, including different types of viruses, their mechanisms, pathogenesis, and potential treatments/vaccines. This expertise helps in understanding client needs and offering tailored solutions.
• Industry Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO landscape, including regulatory requirements, market trends, and competitor analysis in the virology domain.

Competencies:

• Business Development Skills: Proven track record in building and executing business development strategies, identifying new opportunities, and establishing partnerships in the virology space.
• Ability to think strategically, identify potential collaborations or acquisitions, and devise long-term plans to expand the company's virology-related services.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills to effectively interact with clients, stakeholders, and potential partners.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial metrics, budgeting, and forecasting to assess the financial viability of potential projects or partnerships.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality standards specific to virology research and development.
• The capacity to adapt to evolving technologies, methodologies, and market trends, while fostering an innovative mindset to stay ahead in the virology landscape.
• Strong networking abilities to establish and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders, potential clients, and industry influencers within the virology field.
• The ability to assess complex situations, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions in virology-related business contexts.