Senior Director, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships

Thermo Fisher Scientific

. Lead strategic partnerships and external innovation initiatives for next-generation cell culture solutions .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $192,700 - $289,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading strategic partnerships and external innovation initiatives within the life sciences sector, with a strong focus on technology scouting, negotiation, and commercialization of innovative solutions. Proven ability to manage complex alliances and drive measurable business outcomes through effective collaboration and strategic alignment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Partnerships ManagementTechnology ScoutingNegotiation SkillsCross-Functional Team LeadershipCommercialization of Innovation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Partnership Agreement StructuringLicensing Deal NegotiationScientific DiligenceBusiness DevelopmentMarket Analysis

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingExecutive PresenceInfluencing SkillsRelationship BuildingAlignment Across Stakeholders

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Life Sciences or Business

Industry Keywords

Life SciencesBiotechExternal InnovationCommercial Supply AgreementsRevenue Growth

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead strategic partnerships and external innovation initiatives for next-generation cell culture solutions
Provide executive-level partnership leadership and build relationships with leaders across global organizations
Lead technology scouting initiatives and influence build-buy-partner decisions
Support corporate development activities and evaluate potential partnerships
Manage strategic alliance relationships and ensure alignment with business objectives
Structure and negotiate complex partnership agreements, licensing deals, and strategic alliance frameworks
Build and manage a portfolio of external innovation partnerships
Drive licensing opportunities and strategic alliances to accelerate commercialization and expand market position
Drive network growth through successful partnerships, adoption of innovation cell culture solutions, and commercial supply agreements
Conduct scientific diligence on potential partnerships, technologies, and investment opportunities
Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, commercial, legal, and operations
Translate external market insights and partnership opportunities into actionable business recommendations
Advise executive leadership on partnership strategy, market trends, and competitive positioning
Champion commercialization of innovation through strategic partnerships and alliance management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Life Sciences, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience
12+ years of progressive experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or corporate development within the life sciences or biotech industry
Proven track record building and managing complex strategic partnerships and alliances
Demonstrated success commercializing innovation through partnerships and licensing agreements
Deep expertise in technology scouting, due diligence, and external innovation strategy
Strong strategic thinking with ability to influence long-term organizational strategy
Exceptional negotiation skills and executive presence with executive stakeholders
Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving alignment across diverse stakeholder groups
Scientific acumen to evaluate technical opportunities and conduct scientific diligence
Track record of translating partnerships into measurable business outcomes and competitive advantage
Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success driving revenue growth through partnerships
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 30%)

Benefits

Comp & perks

A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO)
10 paid holidays annually
Paid parental leave: 3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave
Accident and life insurance
Short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
Competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with eligible colleagues able to purchase company stock at a discount
Variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results