Business Development Manager (External Innovation)

4,000 professionals, 0 days wasted, 1 incredible purpose. Together, we will beat cancer.

£47,000 - £52,000 plus benefits

Reports to: (Senior) Business Development Executive

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 5 March 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: Screening call followed by competency-based interview.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Cancer Research UK is looking for a Business Development Manager with a life science background to join our Cancer Tools department.

About the team

CancerTools.org is the world’s largest non-profit technology transfer organisation dedicated exclusively to research reagents. It forms part of Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer research funder, providing in excess of £350M grant funding annually. CancerTools.org is part of Cancer Research UK’s Commercial Partnerships team (formerly Cancer Research Technology) where it has partnered with and commercialises the research reagents of more than 180 universities, technology transfer offices and research organisations worldwide.

What will you be doing?

As a Business Development Manager (BDM) in the External Innovation (ExI) team, you will join the commercialisation/translation interface between scientific innovation in the research tool space and industry. You will manage the in-licensing activities and account management for a defined region. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to build relationships with the academic community in your region and proactively build opportunities for in-licensing of cutting-edge research tools.

Key duties include:

• Maintaining a portfolio of accounts within a specific region and other territories as required by organisational needs.
• Developing and maintaining a broad range of external relationships (universities, companies, scientists, etc.) within your region.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders in your region to achieve/exceed your annual KPIs through existing partners and new business development.
• Identification, due diligence, evaluation and appropriation of life science reagents and research tool opportunities, principally from CRUK-funded sources and other selected partners.
• Undertaking routine contract negotiation and management for your accounts in liaison with senior members of the Business Development team and Legal colleagues as required.
• Day-to-day management of up to one BDA, including training, career development, appraisals, and performance management.
• Inputting into the continuous improvement of the ExI function, with specific focus on improving new tool acquisition and onboarding efficiency.
• Promoting CancerTools to external parties through visits, presentations, marketing events, and participation at meetings and conferences as necessary.

What skills are we looking for?

• BSc (or equivalent work & industry experience) in a Life Science or other relevant discipline, ideally oncology or technology-related. An MSc or PhD would be considered beneficial.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a technology transfer environment drawn from either industry, academic or non-profit organisation.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships and effectively manage stakeholders with experience of networking and attending scientific conferences.
• Demonstrable track record of success in the development and commercialisation of life science technology, ideally in the research tool space.
• Experience of and the ability to negotiate licensing and revenue sharing agreements with minimal oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and can rapidly grasp technical, scientific and data-driven concepts.
• Good scientific judgement and project management skills combined with operational delivery.
• Capable leader of people and teams who creates clarity and purpose of task alongside strong organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities to deadlines and can work independently and as an effective team player when required.

*Please note that there is an element of travel, both national and international, involved in this role.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination.

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism.

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisational values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career, and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process, and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.