Chief Business Officer

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics.

As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Type: Full time, permanent

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Start: Immediate

Remote (UK or US - East Coast based) - able to travel internationally up to 60%

Your role in our team:

The Chief Business Officer will lead bit.bio’s global business development, strategic partnering and alliance strategy, accelerating the adoption of bit.bio’s technology through high-value partnerships across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, technology and academic sectors.

This role is externally focused and relationship-driven, responsible for identifying, developing and executing transformative strategic partnerships that create long-term enterprise value. The successful candidate will serve as a senior ambassador for bit.bio across the global biotechnology ecosystem, with a particular focus on expanding the company’s presence and influence within the United States.

The role is not primarily responsible for product development, commercialisation execution or day-to-day sales management. Instead, success will be measured through the quality and value of partnerships, licensing opportunities, strategic collaborations and business development transactions secured.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Strategic Partnerships & Alliances

• Develop and execute bit.bio’s global partnership and alliance strategy.
• Identify and secure strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, technology and life science organisations.
• Build senior executive relationships across key industry players, becoming a recognised external representative of bit.bio.
• Develop partnership structures that accelerate platform adoption, market access and long-term enterprise value creation.
• Lead negotiations for strategic alliances, licensing agreements, co-development partnerships and commercial collaborations.
• Establish a robust pipeline of partnership opportunities across North America, Europe and Asia.
• Represent bit.bio at major industry conferences, partnering events and investor forums.
• Create and maintain relationships with key decision makers across pharma, biotech, venture capital and strategic investment communities.

Business Development Transactions

• Source, evaluate and execute business development opportunities that support the company’s growth strategy.
• Lead commercial negotiations and transaction execution from initial engagement through contract signature.
• Develop financial and strategic business cases for partnership opportunities.
• Partner with legal, finance, scientific and operational teams to structure and execute complex agreements.
• Evaluate opportunities for licensing, technology access, platform partnerships and strategic investments.
• Support M&A evaluation and diligence activities where appropriate.

Alliance Management & Strategic Accounts

• Oversee governance of key strategic partnerships and ensure long-term value creation.
• Maintain executive-level relationships with major partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing collaborations into broader strategic relationships.
• Ensure partnerships deliver agreed scientific, operational and commercial outcomes.

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, contributing to overall company strategy and decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align commercial objectives with scientific, operational and financial goals.
• Support fundraising, investor communications and Board engagement as required.
• Foster a high-performance, values-driven culture across the organisation.

You…

• Have an advanced degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Business or a related discipline.
• Extensive business development, partnering or strategic alliance leadership experience within biotechnology, cell therapy, genomics, synthetic biology, life sciences tools or related sectors.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Results-oriented leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver ambitious growth targets.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-growing, innovative environment.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.

With essential experience in…

• Strong understanding of iPSC technologies, cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, drug discovery or related fields.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing complex strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, CRO, technology and academia.
• Strong network across global biotechnology ecosystem, including pharma, biotech, investors and industry influencers.
• Proven experience negotiating high-value licensing, co-development, strategic alliance or technology partnership agreements.
• Track record of creating significant enterprise value through external partnerships and transactions.
• Experience operating at Executive Committee or C-suite level.
• Experience representing organisations externally with investors, partners and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to engage credibly with scientific, technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of life science research markets and emerging industry trends.

…and possibly…

• MBA or equivalent commercial qualification desirable.
• Existing relationships with senior decision makers across major pharmaceutical companies.
• Prior responsibility for strategic alliances generating significant revenue or enterprise value.
• Experience working in both private and venture-backed growth-stage biotechnology companies.

More reasons to join us:

bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact.

We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other.

Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.

For information on how we will manage your data please see our Candidate Privacy Notice