Business Development & In-Licensing Director in Birmingham

Evolve is partnering with an ambitious, growing international eyecare business to appoint a Business Development & In-Licensing Director. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the business development function, build a pipeline of innovative assets and strategic partnerships, and drive high-value transactions from initial evaluation through to completion. Combining scientific expertise with commercial acumen, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future portfolio and growth of the business, with significant autonomy and the opportunity to build a function from the ground up.

This is a full-time permanent position with responsibility for the US, UK and Ireland territories.

What’s on offer?

Excellent Salary & Benefits - A competitive starting salary depending on your experience, plus exceptional bonus, pension, wellbeing days, healthcare, eye care vouchers and more!

Entrepreneurial Spirit - Enjoy the agility and visibility of an ambitious organisation where you can make a real difference.

Collaborative Culture - Thrive in a supportive, people-focused environment.

Ideal Requirements for the Business Development & In-Licensing Director

• Strong scientific and commercial credentials - A PhD, MD or equivalent scientific/clinical qualification in ophthalmology or a related field, ideally combined with a business qualification or MBA.
• Proven business development and deal-making experience - At least 8 years’ experience in pharma, biotech or medtech business development, licensing or corporate development, with a track record of personally leading transactions from evaluation through to negotiation and completion.
• Established ophthalmology network - Strong relationships across ophthalmology biotech, academia, investors and clinical key opinion leaders, alongside a good understanding of the global eyecare landscape.
• Scientific judgement and commercial acumen - The ability to critically assess clinical data, challenge assumptions and evaluate development risks, alongside an understanding of valuations, deal economics and commercial potential. Confident presenting investment cases to senior leadership and Boards.
• Entrepreneurial leadership and drive - A hands-on, independent leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building a function from the ground up and can influence cross-functional teams. Comfortable working closely with senior leadership and willing to travel regularly (approximately 30%).

Role Responsibilities for the Business Development & In-Licensing Director

• Shape and lead the business development strategy - Define and drive the business development and in-licensing strategy, identifying opportunities aligned with the organisation’s long-term ambitions and therapeutic priorities. Build and lead a high-performing function, shaping its growth as the pipeline develops.
• Build a strong pipeline of opportunities - Identify and develop a pipeline of innovative assets, technologies and strategic partnerships across eyecare. Use your industry network, market intelligence and scientific insight to uncover opportunities that strengthen the portfolio and benefit patients.
• Lead scientific evaluation and investment decisions - Bring scientific rigour and commercial insight to the evaluation of opportunities. Assess clinical data, mechanisms of action, development potential and risk, translating complex science into clear investment recommendations for senior leadership and the Board.
• Drive deals from opportunity to completion - Lead the end-to-end transaction process, including due diligence, deal structuring and negotiations across licensing, partnerships and acquisitions. Work with Finance, Legal and cross-functional teams to secure deals that deliver long-term strategic value.
• Build strategic partnerships and establish the organisation as a partner of choice - Develop influential relationships across the global eyecare ecosystem, including biotech, academia, investors and advisers. Represent the organisation at leading industry events and position it as a credible, agile partner for companies bringing innovative treatments to market.

Recruitment Process

3 stage interview process

Interview and assess with a leader who’s hands-on, supportive, and invested in your professional growth.

Excited to learn more? Click apply or reach out to the Pharmaceutical recruitment team for full details!

Application Process
Evolve Selection acts as a recruitment partner on behalf of our clients. All applications are reviewed by our specialist consultants and assessed against the specific requirements of the role. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an initial discussion before being introduced to the hiring client.

We appreciate every application; however, due to application volumes, we may not be able to respond to all candidates individually. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful for this particular role, however we may contact you regarding future opportunities that match your experience in line with our privacy policy.

Evolve is a leading recruitment and outsourcing organisation, operating within the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical Device and Life Science sectors.

Equal opportunities are important to us. We believe that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as a company, We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, ethnicity, belief, age, family or parental status, and any other characteristic.