Senior Director, Business Development - Bay Area

X-Chem, Inc. is a leader in small molecule discovery science, providing pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a complete, seamless solution for screening, hit validation, and lead optimization. As pioneers of DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) technology, the company leverages its market-leading DEL platform to rapidly screen billions of diverse drug-like molecules to discover novel small molecule leads against challenging, high-value therapeutic targets.  In house lead optimization services driven by AI and physics-based modeling enable clients to progress their compounds directly in-house from hit all the way through to candidate nomination.  Our well-proven expertise in medicinal chemistry, customer synthesis, and scale-up process chemistry enables us to support all aspects of drug discovery in a deeply integrated technology-driven platform.

The Opportunity:

X-Chem is seeking a Senior Director, Business Development to drive business development and sales to clients and partners. The Senior Director will work as part of X-Chem’s Business Development and Alliance Management team and report to the Chief Business Officer. Primary responsibilities will be to source new business and establish drug discovery collaborations and contracts. The Senior Director would ideally be located in the Bay Area, California..

Position Summary:

This position will be responsible for administration and management of X-Chem business development initiatives, client sourcing, contract negotiation and execution. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Execute business development and sales initiatives consistent with the company’s overall strategy.
• Identify prospective partners and clients through systematic outreach and attendance of conferences and networking events
• Master a fundamental technical understanding of X-Chem’s core discovery platform technology
• Present X-Chem’s services through written and verbal communications to clients and prospective clients in in biopharma
• Cultivate relationships with decision makers in biopharma R&D and BD, manage accounts and secure opportunities for selling small molecule discovery program collaborations. Negotiate and close deals.
• Respond to Requests for Proposals.
• Maintain accurate and accessible tailored documentation i.e. presentations / proposals / agreements/ updates to meet client needs
• Responsible for lead generation
• Interact with members of the research and project teams to ensure proposals / contracts that are consistent with internal processes. Align and coordinate the internal teams participation in support of strategic sales objectives
• Update Business Development databases to include opportunities, proposals issued, approved projects, and BD activities and other tracking indexes.
• Strong client management and sales skills and ability to keep commitments.
• Complete requested administrative reports on a timely basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutics or a Life Science discipline or equivalent strongly preferred. MBA a plus.
• Minimum of five years’ experience of complex collaboration business development in biopharma.
• Experience working in (or with) pharma/biotech throughout target hit identification, hit-to lead optimization, and candidate selection cycle.

Skills:

• Solid understanding of the drug discovery process and pre-clinical research
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Highly professional and trustworthy in demeanor and action
• Motivated and driven; strong work ethic
• Focused, solution minded and attention to detail
• Interacts well with others and strong team player

Working Conditions:

Position based in Bay Area, CA, with flexible working environment and use of home office. Light physical activity performing nonstrenuous daily activities.  Travel of up to 30% may be required.

Why you should join us:

X-Chem offers highly competitive compensation based on prior experience and qualifications as well as comprehensive benefits in order to best support our people.  Benefits we currently offer include: 100% Paid Medical, Dental, Disability, and Basic Life/AD&D Insurance; 401K match; 12 Paid Holidays; 22 days PTO; Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development; Flexible Spending accounts for both medical and dependent care; social hours and company events. Our work environment includes casual dress, bike storage, free parking, and wellness perks.

EEO Statement:

X-Chem is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.