Vice President of Business Development (PepiX)

About us: PepiX is an independent discovery platform combining AI, automation, HTS, and 2000+ non‑canonical amino acids to solve key challenges in peptide therapeutic development. We are entering a rapid commercialization phase and seek an experienced BD leader to build and close platform and asset partnerships with global pharma.

Role overview: You will make global BD strategy and run execution, build a high‑quality partner pipeline (MNC, mid‑biotech, regional pharma), lead term‑sheet negotiation for platform/pipeline deals, and establish post‑deal alliance governance.

Key responsibilities

• BD strategies. Define and execute both short and long term BD strategies for pipeline out-licensing and strategic collaborations, ensuring strict alignment with XtalPi's global strategic goals.
• Partnership development. Identify, initiate, and cultivate deep, long-term strategic alliances with executive-level stakeholders at leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare companies. Maintain target list and CRM. Directly responsible for relationships with Top-tier pharma S&E/BD&L teams.
• Strategic negotiation & deal closure. Design deal structures (upfront, milestones, royalties, exclusivity scope), coordinate with finance, legal and IP for deal risk assessment. Lead negotiations for paid pilots, option‑to‑license and platform co‑dev deals.
• Cross-funtional collaboration. Run BD‑Science syncs to align external commitments with internal development milestones/deliverables. Align internal resources (legal, finance, marketing, and executives) to support deal diligence, contract finalization, post-deal implementation, and alliance management.
• Market insight & opportunity mapping: Proactively monitor and analyze market dynamics, industry trends, competitive landscapes, and regulatory developments in biopharmaceutical sectors. Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Industry Influence & Brand Building: Represent PepiX at key industry conferences, forums, and executive events. Enhance brand visibility, leadership, and competitive advantage within the global biopharmaceutical ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 8-15+ years BD/commercial experience in pharma/biotech; track record leading/closing deals.
• Well-established network across MNCs and regional pharmas.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to structure complex deals.
• Fluent English (working language); willing to travel internationally (~30%+).
• Higher educaton in life sciences, business, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, Ph.D.) is a plus.
• Excellent cross‑functional influence, and deep familiarity with peptides is a plus.