Role Overview for Chief Business Officer, Biotechnology – South San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, clinical-stage biotechnology company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Located in the vibrant life sciences hub of South San Francisco, CA, our client is dedicated to developing transformative treatments for diseases with high unmet medical needs. We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented Chief Business Officer (CBO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a paramount role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will serve as a key architect of the company’s long-term growth and success.
The CBO will be the driving force behind all aspects of corporate strategy, business development, and commercial planning. This individual will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and potential M&A activities that align with the company’s scientific and corporate objectives. The ideal candidate is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with a profound understanding of the industry landscape, a robust network of contacts, and a demonstrable track record of closing complex, value-creating deals. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s narrative for investors, partners, and the broader market, ensuring our client is positioned as a leader in its therapeutic areas. This role requires a unique blend of scientific acumen, financial savvy, strategic foresight, and exceptional leadership to guide the company from its current clinical stage through commercialization and beyond.
As a member of the C-suite, you will collaborate intimately with leaders across Research & Development, Clinical Operations, Finance, and Legal to ensure a cohesive and integrated corporate strategy. Your influence will be critical in making key decisions about portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and market entry strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a dynamic organization and, ultimately, on the lives of patients worldwide. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for translating cutting-edge science into commercial success, we invite you to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Business Officer, Biotechnology – South San Francisco, CA
Corporate & Strategic Planning
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to define, refine, and execute the company’s overarching long-term corporate strategy. Lead strategic planning processes, conduct market analyses, and assess competitive landscapes to identify opportunities for growth and value creation.
Business Development & Licensing
Spearhead all business development initiatives. Identify, source, and evaluate strategic opportunities including in-licensing/out-licensing of assets, technology collaborations, co-development/co-commercialization partnerships, and strategic alliances to enhance the company’s pipeline and capabilities.
Deal Execution & Negotiation
Lead the end-to-end deal-making process, from initial contact and due diligence to financial modeling, term sheet negotiation, and definitive agreement execution. Ensure that all transactions are strategically sound and financially attractive.
Alliance Management
Foster and maintain strong, productive relationships with existing and future corporate partners. Establish robust alliance management frameworks to ensure collaborations are successful and that all parties meet their strategic objectives and contractual obligations.
Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Partner closely with the CEO and CFO on fundraising activities, including private and public financings. Articulate the company’s strategy, value proposition, and progress to the investment community, analysts, and stakeholders. Prepare materials for and participate in roadshows and investor conferences.
Commercial Strategy & Planning
Develop and oversee the pre-commercial and commercial strategy for the company’s product pipeline. Lead market research, product positioning, pricing and reimbursement strategies, and go-to-market planning to maximize the commercial potential of assets.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Work in conjunction with legal counsel to develop and implement a comprehensive intellectual property strategy that protects the company’s innovations and supports its business development goals.
Leadership & Team Management
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing business development and strategy team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and execution excellence. Provide guidance and professional development opportunities for team members.
Market Intelligence
Serve as the internal expert on the biopharmaceutical market landscape. Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and scientific advancements to inform strategic decisions and identify emerging opportunities or threats.
Requirements for the Chief Business Officer, Biotechnology – South San Francisco, CA
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MBA, JD, PhD, or MD) is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role within business development, corporate development, or corporate strategy.
Proven Deal Sheet
A demonstrable and extensive track record of successfully leading and closing a variety of significant transactions, including licensing agreements, M&A, research collaborations, and strategic partnerships. Experience with both buy-side and sell-side deals is highly desirable.
Industry Acumen
Deep knowledge of the drug discovery, development, and commercialization lifecycle. A thorough understanding of the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of therapeutic product development is essential. Familiarity with the intricacies of the FDA drug approval process is a critical competency for this role.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical capabilities. Must be able to synthesize complex information from various sources to make informed, high-impact business decisions. Strong proficiency in financial analysis and valuation modeling.
Negotiation & Communication Skills
World-class negotiation, influencing, and communication skills. The ability to articulate a compelling vision and complex concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, including board members, investors, scientific experts, and potential partners.
Leadership Qualities
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire teams. A collaborative leader who can work effectively across functions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. High emotional intelligence and professional integrity are paramount.
Network
A robust and active network of senior-level contacts throughout the biopharmaceutical industry, venture capital community, and investment banking sector.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and the significant responsibilities of the role.
Executive Bonus Plan
A generous annual performance-based bonus structure tied to individual and corporate goal achievement.
Significant Equity
A substantial equity package, including stock options or RSUs, providing a meaningful opportunity for ownership and participation in the long-term success of the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a competitive company matching contribution to help you save for the future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A budget for professional development, including attendance at major industry conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate, if required.
Inspiring Work Environment
The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and brilliant team of scientists and executives dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this pivotal Chief Business Officer position. If you are a qualified and ambitious leader ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to submit your application.
To apply, please send your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to our dedicated recruitment team. For more information about our recruitment expertise and to explore other opportunities, please visit our practice area page. Learn more about our expertise in Life Sciences Executive Search and how we connect visionary leaders with innovative companies.
All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company and the clients we represent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
