Chief Business Officer

Our client is a pioneering Healthcare and Lifestyle Medicine Innovation Center based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, dedicated to transforming the future of health and longevity. At the intersection of cutting-edge research, personalized care, and lifestyle medicine, they are reshaping the way health and wellness are approached across the region. With a core mission to help people live healthier, longer lives, they harness the latest advancements in diagnostics and precision healthcare to redefine the standards of care.

They are now seeking a visionary Chief Business Officer (CBO) to lead their business strategy, drive commercial growth, and cultivate strategic partnerships that will accelerate the mission of delivering innovative healthcare solutions and expanding their impact on a larger scale.

The role also includes leading the organisation's Innovation Hub from a business perspective, ensuring that innovative healthcare solutions are aligned with business objectives. The CBO will set business goals, manage key financial metrics, and ensure that all operations contribute to the long-term strategic goals of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Development:

• Define and execute business strategies that align with the organisation's mission, focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and financial stability.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams in healthcare, life sciences, and related sectors.
• Lead business planning, market analysis, and strategy development to ensure alignment with the institutes growth objectives.

Commercial Operations & Financial Management:

• Oversee commercial activities, ensuring they are effectively integrated with operational, research, and clinical goals.
• Manage the institutes financial performance, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to ensure financial sustainability and optimize resource allocation across departments.

Innovation Hub Oversight:

• Lead the business strategy for the Innovation Hub, ensuring that innovative ideas, technologies, and healthcare solutions align with the organizations business objectives and long-term goals.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, emerging trends, and innovative technologies that can be incubated within the Innovation Hub.
• Collaborate with research and clinical teams to translate innovations into commercially viable products, services, or partnerships.
• Develop commercialization strategies for new innovations, including go-to-market plans, revenue models, and partnerships with industry stakeholders.
• Manage investment decisions related to innovation projects, ensuring alignment with the organization's financial and strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the organization, encouraging teams to explore new business models and healthcare solutions.
• Monitor the financial performance of innovation initiatives, providing regular updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and nurture relationships with government entities, healthcare organizations, investors, and strategic partners to advance the organisation's mission.
• Act as a key liaison for external stakeholders, representing the institute's business interests in negotiations, partnerships, and contracts.
• Develop joint ventures, collaborations, and strategic alliances that drive business growth and innovation.

Operational Excellence & Performance Optimization:

• Drive continuous improvement across all business functions, ensuring efficient processes and operations.
• Implement business performance metrics and KPIs to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the institute meets its business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with local and international healthcare regulations and standards.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and performance excellence.
• Mentor and develop senior leaders within the business, ensuring alignment with the institutes mission and strategic goals.
• Promote a culture of innovation, encouraging team members to propose new ideas and explore new business models.

Market Analysis & Competitor Benchmarking:

• Analyse market trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs to inform business strategy.
• Provide insights into market dynamics, regulatory changes, and technological advancements that could impact business performance.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate business risks, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding the institutes reputation.
• Develop and implement business continuity plans to address potential disruptions.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the CEO, collaborating with the executive leadership team to align business operations and innovation strategies with the overall vision of the institute.

Compliance Responsibilities: Ensure business and innovation operations comply with UAE regulations, particularly within the healthcare and medical research sectors.

Decision-Making Authority: Holds authority to make high-level decisions on business strategy, partnerships, commercial operations, and innovation initiatives.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Management, or a related field.
• A Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Healthcare Management is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, preferably as a CBO, COO, or similar, within the healthcare, life sciences, or related industries.
• Proven track record in business strategy, commercial operations, business development, and innovation management.
• Experience in managing large-scale healthcare or life sciences organizations is highly desirable.
• Expertise in healthcare business models, financial analysis, and market development.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
• Strong proficiency in financial planning, business analysis, and operational management tools.
• Professional certifications in business management, finance, or healthcare operations are an advantage (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma, or similar).

Work Environment: Office-based role with occasional travel required for business development, partnerships, and stakeholder meetings.