Vacature Business Development Manager (32-40hr, entry level)

About Lygature 

Lygature is a not-for-profit foundation advancing medical solutions through innovation and cross-sector partnerships in diagnostics, medical technology, and pharmacotherapy. 

We aim to achieve this by forming, fostering, and facilitating collaborations between (academic) research institutes, public, societal, and commercial organizations; by engaging in research itself and by maximizing the synergy, complementarity and exchange of knowledge and expertise between all partners that can contribute. Over the past 19 years, we have contributed to the success of 100+ projects varying in size from 1 million to 200 million euros, including the IDERHA consortium, the Regulatory Science Network Netherlands, UNITE4TB and the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium. 

About this role 

As part of our Business Development (BD) team, you’ll help position Lygature in strategic partnerships and short-term projects aligned with our mission. You’ll collaborate with professionals in finance, legal, communication, and partnership management to drive impactful initiatives at the cutting edge of science. 

What we expect from you 

The primary responsibility of the BDM is to progress active discussions with the aim to come to new or extended development of partnerships or projects. Next to this, you are challenged to explore and propose new partnership and project opportunities in consultation with partnership management. 

Responsibilities 

Under the guidance of a Business Development Director, you will: 

• Contribute to strategic Business Development (BD) Planning; work closely with Partnership Managers to design and refine partnership strategies, ensuring they align with Lygature’s objective in a sustainable manner
• Support strategic initiatives; assist in presenting strategic BD initiatives to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Support cross-departmental communication to ensure alignment with strategic goals  Assist in maintaining an overview of new business leads and monitoring the status of active projects
• Work with partnership management to ensure Lygature’s substantive roles in partnerships and secure the necessary budget
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders
• Ensure a good overview of external opportunities for project funding such as: calls for proposals, granting schemes, etc. In consultation with the BD Director, strategize for new funding routes for new partnerships and actively engage potential funders. 

Skills and experience  

We encourage you to apply if you: 

• Have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline and 3+ years of relevant BD working experience or a master’s degree with equivalent working experience
• Have established experience in building multistakeholder partnerships and have a relevant network within the field of life sciences & health
• Have excellent communication skills, fluent in spoken and written English and at least proficiency in spoken and written Dutch (B2 level)
• Possess strong skills in negotiation to allow the management of complex discussions leading to successful outcomes
• Are able to demonstrate connecting leadership by maintaining and strengthening trust-based relationships with stakeholders and partners
• Have fundamental business insight to effectively navigate and capitalize on relevant opportunities
• Are a creative thinker to develop and implement effective solutions to advance Lygature’s objectives in a sustainable manner
• Possess a persistent approach to overcome challenges and maintain focus on achieving successful BD outcomes
• Excel in persuasion and fostering strategic relationships that support organizational goals. 

What you can expect from us 

Working at Lygature means that you are part of a diverse team of highly qualified professionals who like to work at the intersection of science, business and society. We have attention for each other and like to celebrate our milestones and successes together. We promote a growth mindset where failure presents a learning opportunity. We believe in personal development and value work-life balance. 

What we offer 

• A challenging and rewarding job in a unique environment, with the best colleagues possible
• A one-year contract, with the intention to turn this into a permanent position
• Salary will depend on your knowledge, experience and fit within the role, starting at € 5,110 gross per month 30 holiday days a year (based on full-time employment)
• Good secondary employment conditions, including a compensation for your home office, a pension scheme and a thirteenth month
• A shared office within walking distance of Utrecht Central Station

How to apply 

Further information regarding this position, including a full function profile, can be acquired via Wim-Jan Koot (wim-jan.koot@lygature.org). We would like to get to know our possible colleagues better, therefore we strongly recommend providing a letter of motivation to be considered in our selection procedure. To apply, please send your Curriculum Vitae and motivation to Léone Böck (careers@lygature.org). The deadline to apply is May 16, or earlier if the right match is found. 

We are currently inviting candidates for a first interview round, focused on your personality and the mission of Lygature. This round also gives you the opportunity to see if Lygature matches your ambitions. In a second round of interviews, we assess specific professional skills to complete our evaluation and allow you to meet colleagues whom you will be working with if you choose to join Lygature. The final candidate is offered our proposal after this process. This position is also open for internal candidates. Acquisition regarding vacancies is not appreciated. 

Lygature is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Get to know us at https://www.lygature.org/ 

Pioneering medicine. Together.