Associate Director- Ecosystem Partnership, BD

• Act as the primary relationship owner for selected priority partners and a senior interface between internal leadership and external ecosystem stakeholders across China, the UK and other global innovation hubs.
• Design and implement governance structures for strategic partnerships, including partner interfaces, meeting cadence, portfolio reviews, decision rights, communication protocols, escalation mechanisms and performance review processes.

• Mobilize and influence matrix teams across R&D, BD, Venture Fund, corporate affairs, legal, finance to support strategic partnership objectives.
• Foster collaboration across China, UK and global teams, ensuring internal resources, decision-making and stakeholder communication are aligned with partnership priorities.
• Contribute to capability building by introducing structured partnership processes, practical project management tools, performance metrics and continuous improvement mechanisms.

• Education: Advanced degree such as PhD, MD or Master’s degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, business administration or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in life sciences, biopharmaceuticals, medical technology,, healthcare innovation, venture investment, business development, external innovation, strategic partnerships or ecosystem development.

in a multinational organization is highly desirable.

• Partnership track record: Proven success developing and managing complex strategic partnerships, preferably involving cross-border collaboration, government-academic-industry partnerships, innovation ecosystems, R&D collaborations, BD transactions, venture initiatives or external innovation programs.

with China and international stakeholders, particularly the global innovation hubs, is a strong advantage.

• Project management capability: Strong ability to manage complex cross-functional programs, define milestones, establish governance, track KPIs, manage risks and deliver outcomes in a matrix environment.
• Functional expertise: Strong understanding of pharmaceutical R&D, clinical innovation, venture and external innovation ecosystems. Ability to connect opportunities and translate strategic intent into practical partnership models.
• Leadership and influence: Demonstrated ability to engage executive-level stakeholders, build trust, influence without authority and align diverse organizations around shared goals. Strong business judgment, scientific curiosity, conflict resolution capability and cross-cultural sensitivity are required.
• Other qualifications: Fluent in English and Mandarin, with executive-level written and verbal communication skills in both languages.

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