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The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute

Business Strategy and Portfolio Manager

London Hybrid 5-10 yrs exp Research Services 1,993 employees
Commercial Opportunity DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsBusiness Case DevelopmentMarket ResearchFinancial Analysis

Requirements

A degree or equivalent experience in life sciences, business, innovation, commercialisation, or a related field is required, along with proven experience developing commercial opportunities, partnerships, or new business initiatives. Candidates should have experience building business cases and supporting negotiations, strong communication, analytical, relationship-building, and influencing skills, and a track record of delivering commercial projects; relevant life sciences or technology-transfer experience is welcomed.

Job Description

Business Strategy & Portfolio Manager


Reporting to: Head of Business Strategy and Portfolio

Contract term: This is a full time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Working Pattern: Monday-Friday; 9.00am-5.15pm – Hybrid 3 days per week in the office

Salary for this Role: From £65,648 per annum, plus benefits, subject to skills and experience


About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.


The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.


About the Innovation & Business team

The Innovation & Business function at the Francis Crick Institute is focused on maximising the impact of our world-class science by expanding our translational and commercial activities.


Our Business Opportunities team plays a key role in this ambition, identifying and developing strategic partnerships and commercial opportunities that create value, generate sustainable income and extend the reach and impact of Crick science.


Working collaboratively with scientists, senior leaders and external partners, the team helps unlock the value of the Crick’s expertise, infrastructure and capabilities through developing meaningful commercial opportunities that deliver both financial and societal benefits.


About the role

We are looking for a Business Strategy & Portfolio Manager to help grow and diversify the Crick’s commercial portfolio.


Working at the intersection of science, innovation and business, you will work collaboratively across the Crick with faculty, researchers, senior leaders and with external business partners to unlock the commercial potential of our scientific expertise, infrastructure and capabilities.


With a focus on opportunities beyond traditional intellectual property (IP) commercialisation, you will shape and deliver commercial partnerships, developing pricing strategies, negotiating contractual arrangements and establishing partnerships that translate opportunities into sustainable commercial outcomes.


What you will be doing


You will be responsible for:

  • Identifying and developing new commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships.
  • Building compelling business cases, supported by market research, financial analysis and commercial insights.
  • Developing relationships with scientists, senior stakeholders and external partners to progress opportunities.
  • Leading commercial projects from concept through to delivery, including supporting negotiations and managing stakeholders.
  • Exploring opportunities across research infrastructure, technology, consultancy and other commercial services.
  • Working across teams to strengthen commercial engagement and maximise the impact of Crick science.


Click to see the full job description


About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

  • A degree or equivalent experience in life sciences, business, innovation, commercialisation or a related field.*
  • Proven experience identifying, evaluating and developing commercial opportunities, partnerships or new business initiatives.*
  • Experience building business cases, conducting commercial assessments and supporting negotiations.*
  • Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and external partners.*
  • Excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to present complex information and make clear recommendations.*
  • A track record of delivering commercial projects or initiatives, with strong organisational skills and a proactive, adaptable approach.*


Experience in life sciences, biomedical research, healthcare innovation, academic-industry partnerships or technology transfer would be particularly welcome, as would experience using CRM or portfolio management tools.


About Working at the Crick


Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!

  • We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
  • We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
  • We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.


At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.

Find out more about life at the Crick.


What will you receive?


At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

  • Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
  • Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
  • Health & Well-being:
  • 24/7 GP consultation services.
  • Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
  • Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
  • Work-Life Balance:
  • Back-up care for dependents.
  • Childcare support allowance.
  • Annual leave purchase options.
  • Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
  • Perks:
  • Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
  • Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.


We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

Education

Bachelor Degree

Skills

Commercial Opportunity DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsBusiness Case DevelopmentMarket ResearchFinancial AnalysisCommercial AssessmentNegotiationStakeholder ManagementRelationship BuildingInfluencingCommunicationAnalytical SkillsProject DeliveryPricing StrategyPortfolio ManagementCRM

About The Francis Crick Institute

The Crick is a distinctive biomedical research institute. We’re committed to advancing, promoting, and sharing understanding of human health and disease. We do that by attracting talented and ambitious people from all disciplines and backgrounds and giving them the support and freedom they need to succeed. Inside the Crick, you’ll discover scientists working to stretch the very limits of what we know about how life works. Their research holds the key to answering fundamental questions about human health and disease. Our bold and innovative research projects bring together scientists and technicians from all disciplines in the pursuit of discovery without boundaries. With the support of our partners, we’re bridging the gap between discovery and application to help change lives for the better. And through our dynamic structure, we’re able to develop the science leaders of tomorrow. That’s our bold idea, tell us yours. Cover image taken at the Crick by Thomas Angus, Imperial College London.

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