Business Development Manager

Job Summary

The Business Development Manager will foster relationships and create opportunities for engagement and collaborations between faculty and researchers in the Department of Chemistry and external organizations on local, national and international levels, including industry, funding agencies, and research institutes and other potential stakeholders. The incumbent will develop and implement strategies to drive technology transfer and commercialization of faculty-led research initiatives, through expanding the collaborative footprint between the Department and relevant university offices, and facilitating research collaborations and entrepreneurial activities

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Department Head and / or the Associate Head, Research and the Director, Finance and Operations of the Department of Chemistry for administrative matters. The incumbent will engage with faculty members in the Department of Chemistry to understand the research strategies, direction and specific projects being undertaken. This position will also act as a key liaison with university offices including the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) and the University-Industry Liaison Office (UILO), as well as external local, national and international partners, ranging from senior level executives to business development professionals and research scientists

Work Performed

a) Work with faculty and research staff to identify and facilitate increased interaction with receptor industry groups, including delivering letters of support for faculty research projects, and new, renewable or enhanced research funding

b) Engage with faculty and research staff to identify and facilitate increased interaction with other research institutes, including evaluating and facilitating collaboration opportunities, fostering new research collaborations that enhance the reputation and funding opportunities for the Department, and increasing access to government and private research facilitation initiatives

c) Develop strategies to accelerate commercialization of research projects, including fostering entrepreneurship through the creation of spin-off companies

d) Work closely with research groups, VPRI, UILO and other offices to curate and set up industrial partnerships and collaborations, and to ensure compliance with university policies

e) Negotiates and establishment of partnerships and collaborations to drive technology transfer, including research collaboration agreements, license or option agreements, royalty / revenue sharing agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, non-disclosure agreements, inter-institutional agreements and memorandums of understanding

f) Recruit and curate industry support for major projects such as NSERC Alliance, New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) and Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) grants

g) Identify funding and market opportunities for synergy and collaboration, and keep abreast of industry trends and related to technology transfer and corporate development in related industries such as advanced materials, clean energy technologies and pharmaceuticals.

h) Evaluate commercial viability of research projects through market research and competitor analysis, and provide advice and support to research groups as needed

i) Engage with a variety of stakeholders including academics, funders, potential licensees and early-stage investors to build relationships and drive partnerships

j) Host partners in department visits and meetings

Consequence of Error / Judgement

This role has a significant client-facing component, both internally and externally. Recommendations and decisions may affect the initiation, formulation and implementation of new programs within the business operation. A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities. Poor judgment or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity could potentially result in lost opportunities for researchers, staff and partners, and cause reputational risks for the University.

Supervision Received

The Business Development Manager works independently under senior leadership within strategic direction, policies and procedures. Must be highly motivated, self-directed, and exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in the planning and implementation of projects. Work is reviewed in terms of the achievement of determined goals and milestones.

Supervision Given

There is no position that reports directly to the Business Development Manager at this time. May be responsible for the performance of management and support staff as required over time.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

MSc or PhD in chemistry or relevant disciplines

Related experience in research and technology transfer with a high level of scientific expertise

Relevant experience working with scientists and administrators in an advanced research environment, and direct professional experience in business development in the chemistry sector preferred

Knowledge of intellectual property protection, licensing practices, business practices and corporate organization

Knowledge of University policy and procedures relating to research translation, intellectual property, and the execution of contractual agreements is an asset

Demonstrated experience in identifying and cultivating funded partnerships with academic and corporate organizations and research consortiums

Significant experience in business development, marketing, strategic planning, or management consulting, with proven success in revenue generation

Ability to be highly self-directed, take initiative, and work independently in a complex environment

Ability to exercise tact and discretion when handling sensitive and / or confidential matters

Outstanding communications, decision making, and problem-solving skills

Effective writing and translation of complex scientific information into clear and succinct language for a broader audience is essential

Excellent report writing skills as well as active files records maintenance

Excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity

Ability to travel to partners and to attend local and international conferences and events