Vice President, Business Development Transactions

About the role

The VP, Business Development is a senior leader who will own the articulation and initial execution of the business development strategy for a subset of companies within the Flagship Pioneering ecosystem, with the opportunity to negotiate and conduct transactions. The primary objective is to drive the closing of valuable business development deals between our platform companies and pharma. The Lead will be a key member of the company teams with high visibility within the organization and within Flagship Pioneering.

A proven track record in establishing business development strategy that aligns with long‑term growth plans, identifying and triaging potential partners, and designing partnership concepts and term sheets is essential.

• Embedded team member driving the business development strategy for selected Flagship Pioneering portfolio companies to enable consistent deal flow across the ecosystem.
• Lead cross‑functional collaborations to become an expert in the company’s platform technology and products, focusing on establishing the BD strategy and executing deals in partnership with transaction leaders.
• Work closely with the CEO, partner group, and senior management to develop BD strategy as a contributor to corporate strategy, long‑term planning, and identification of value drivers for impactful deals.
• Communicate the value proposition of the platform technology and portfolio by developing key messages and narratives, pressure‑testing with stakeholders, and building full partnerable packages and deal concepts.
• Frame the BD action plan, including data generation for validation, partnership scopes, research plans, and exclusivity constructs.
• Define relevant biotech and pharma stakeholders.
• Lead and execute business development initiatives, including outreach to potential pharma partners, diligence, and transaction structuring with cross‑functional support (R&D, strategy, IP, legal, finance).
• Cultivate a strong partnership with the CEO and relevant partners to pursue buy‑in for the strategy across the company and with the board.
• Work with R&D to evaluate early‑stage compounds and integrate partnership perspectives early in the research and development process.

• Minimum 12 years of industry experience with a demonstrated track record in business development and corporate strategy leadership.
• A strong record of strategy design and execution, with examples of impact on sell‑side business development deals with pharmaceutical/biotech companies, including identification, evaluation, and structuring of significant transactions.
• An advanced degree (PhD, MD) is strongly preferred; MBA is a plus.
• Senior or executive leadership experience required, with an enterprise leadership mindset across disciplines, lines, and organizational boundaries.
• Ability to understand complex scientific ideas and effectively communicate their value proposition to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prior experience partnering with various biotechnology platforms or therapeutic modalities (e.g., small molecule, RNA, protein biologic), especially with discovery and preclinical‑stage (Series A and B) companies.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills—the ability to compellingly articulate, influence, and work successfully with varied audiences.

Salary range: $300,000 – $340,000, plus annual incentive program, healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation will depend on qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.