Executive Director / Vice President, Business Development

Work with us
Our team are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and Autoimmune disease to deliver life-changing treatments to patients.

Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork – together we are ONE Autolus.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Deal Sourcing

  • Lead on the identification and evaluation of strategic opportunities (in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, co-development, academic collaborations etc.)

  • Build and maintain a pipeline of high-potential partnership opportunities globally

·Communication

• Lead on the preparation of impactful and persuasive presentations that effectively demonstrate the Autolus value proposition to potential partners.

• Represent the company in meetings with potential partners at partnering events, conferences, and investor meetings

·Transaction Execution

• Lead deal structuring, due diligence, negotiations, and closing of complex transactions

• Partner with legal, finance, R&D, commercial and regulatory teams to execute deals end-to-end

·External Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with biotech, pharma, academic institutions, and strategic partners to achieve mutual goals

• Act as a liaison between companies, ensuring smooth communication, aligning expectations, and resolving conflicts to facilitate successful collaborations.

·Market Intelligence & Competitive Landscape

• Continuously monitor market dynamics to inform the Autolus value proposition and partnering strategy

• Analyse competitor activity, emerging science, and commercial trends

·Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Executive, Commercial, R&D, and Medical Affairs leadership teams to align BD strategy with corporate goals

• Provide strategic input to the executive leadership team on business development activities

Demonstrated skills and competencies

E – Essential P – Preferred

Experience

• Demonstrated track record of leading and closing complex BD transactions (partnerships, licensing, M&A)

• Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory pathways, and commercial considerations in oncology

• Strong scientific and business acumen, project management skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams

• Highly networked within the biotech and pharma ecosystems

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, MD)) or equivalent experience in life sciences, business, or related field

• Substantial business development experience in the biopharma industry, with a strong preference for immunology, autoimmune and oncology exposure

Autolus Leadership Behaviours (incorporating Core Competencies)

Clarify direction and inspire;Using good judgement to set clear and compelling goals that show your team how their work contributes to our purpose and strategy

Deliver goals and plans; Creating joint plans with your team to deliver your goals, holding yourself and others accountable for delivering quality results

Work collaboratively; Cultivating a network of relationships across the organisation and building high performing teams based on mutual trust and respect

Optimise potential; Creating a healthy, engaged and empowered working environment that invests in people and their development.

Role Model our values;Acting as a role model ensuring everything you do is in line with our values of respect, integrity, focus and breakthrough

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Autolus’ success is driven by equality and inclusion; we believe all voices are of equal value and must be heard. Whilst operating with focus and integrity, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion within our business and our industry.