Vice President of Business Development

Mantell Associates is partnered with a pioneering AI drug development company, who is seeking an experienced and visionary Vice President of Business Development to lead its commercial strategy and growth from Italy.

This senior leadership role is ideal for a seasoned commercial executive who combines deep scientific understanding with strong commercial acumen and a proven track record of building strategic partnerships in the life sciences and AI-enabled drug discovery space.

Vice President of Business Development - Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the company’s business development strategy across Europe and global markets, driving growth of AI-enabled drug discovery and development partnerships
• Identify, qualify, and secure high-impact alliances with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research institutions, and technology partners
• Lead negotiation of commercial agreements, collaboration contracts, joint ventures, licensing deals, and strategic alliances to enhance the company’s ability to deliver AI-driven drug discovery solutions
• Build and manage a world-class business development function, mentoring teams, enhancing processes, and scaling capabilities to support revenue targets
• Partner with cross-functional leaders (Scientific, Technology, Regulatory, Legal, Marketing) to co-design compelling commercial offerings, pricing models, and value propositions aligned with client needs and company objectives
• Represent the company at industry conferences, investor forums, client meetings, and scientific events to boost brand visibility and thought leadership
• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, regulatory changes and emerging technologies to shape strategic direction, inform product roadmaps, and strengthen competitive positioning
• Provide accurate forecasting, pipeline insights, and performance reporting to the executive leadership team and Board

Vice President of Business Development - Requirements:

• 10+ years of business development, strategic partnerships, or commercial leadership experience within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, AI-driven life sciences technology, or related sectors
• Proven experience leading complex commercial negotiations and closing high-value partnerships in drug discovery, drug development, or digital biology environments
• Strong understanding of AI applications in drug development, computational biology, data science workflows, and translational research frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performance business development teams and influence at senior leadership levels
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with ability to engage effectively with scientific and commercial audiences
• Experience with international partnering, global deal structures, and navigating complex regulatory and commercial landscapes
• Based in Italy, with flexibility for hybrid work and international travel as required

Mantell Associates is a specialist Pharmaceutical and Life Science headhunting firm. For more information on this opportunity, contact us at +44 (0) .