Associate Director, Business Development (M&A)
2-3 days in office requirement per week
The Associate Director, Business Development is responsible to drive technical, commercial, and financial evaluations and due diligence of new M&A and asset in‑licensing as well as organic growth opportunities; screen, identify, and evaluate potential targets (assets or companies) aligned to the company’s growth objectives; conduct product‑market research, data analysis, and commercial assessment to build business cases; support commercial and financial due diligence; build detailed P&L/NPV valuation models, conduct sensitivity analysis, develop structured offer proposals; maintain the BD and M&A pipeline; manage database resources to generate business insights and competitive intelligence; and keep stakeholders abreast of new opportunities. If you are keen to join a patient‑centric, high‑growth company, then read on and apply today!
What You Will Do
- Work with information and databases such as IQVIA, Evaluate, PharmaProjects, AlphaSense, etc., to generate R&D pipeline and commercial portfolio insights for target identification, selection, and business case development.
- Design and conduct primary and secondary market research for detailed assessment of targets and develop output reports for senior management and for due diligence.
- Sizing, forecasting in‑licensing and acquisition opportunities as well as lifecycle opportunities using commercial data, epidemiology, reviewing published clinical literature, pricing information, and performing competitive landscape analysis.
- Building business cases, including development of financial forecast scenarios in MS Excel.
- Managing, leading commercial and financial due diligence, including project managing interactions with external advisors/consultants and being responsible for outputs.
- Proactively collaborating with cross‑functional teams to assess value opportunity of targets and inform business cases.
- Track market activity, competitor M&A moves, and industry trends to inform corporate strategy.
- Generating regular recommendations, advising and supporting the VP, M&A on in‑licensing and acquisition targets for the business.
- Supporting the preparation of investment thesis papers for internal stakeholders.
- Maintaining, refreshing the M&A pipeline.
What We Do
Essential Pharma is a global pharmaceutical company working to make a difference for patients in niche populations.
Everything at Essential Pharma is driven by the fact that every patient matters. We are focussed on developing and delivering medicines for patients in small, underserved or rare disease populations. Our team of 70+ people has an entrepreneurial spirit, challenging convention and working creatively to deliver results. Our headquarters are in Surrey, UK, and we have offices in Malta, France, Spain and Switzerland.
We are an international business, with a growing product portfolio that reaches patients in approximately 70 countries. We cover multiple therapy areas with a particular focus on rare disease, CNS, ophthalmology and gastroenterology. Our first development‑stage asset is an anti‑GD2 antibody for the treatment of high‑risk neuroblastoma. We have a proven track record of acquiring, investing in and commercialising treatments.
What You Will Bring
Qualifications
- Degree in life science is a strong advantage (such as Medicine, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences).
- MBA, CFA, CIMA or other similar qualification would be an advantage.
Experience
- 5+ years of relevant experience in M&A, investment banking, corporate development, or strategic finance, with a focus on the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.
- Demonstrated experience building and analyzing complex financial models and valuations.
- Evidence of strategic investment analysis and business case development.
- Experience in competitor analysis, design of competitive growth strategy.
- Experience in using secondary industry resources for pharmaceutical and scientific data.
- Previous demonstration of working effectively as part of team with strong collaboration.
- Multinational experience, minimum pan‑European.
Core Competencies
- High numeracy and analytical skills with good attention to detail; strong Excel skills.
- Creative thinking in generating financial models.
- Capacity to work with large data sets to extract insights.
- Excellent written and reporting skills.
- Resourceful in conducting research or using databases to obtain information.
- Agile thinker who can adapt to situations of high‑speed change.
- Problem solver who can work through complex issues.
- Inquisitive, curious and investigative mindset with willingness to challenge and learn.
- Must demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards.
- Demonstrates a willingness to achieve goals together and respect the view of others.
- Results‑orientated and accountable for actions.
- Excellent with managing workflow expectations.
What We Offer
- We understand that productivity requires balance, so we offer office‑based contracts and allow flexibility on locations of work when required and appropriate. This can be different for each department so please have that conversation at interview.
- £150 towards your home office.
- Pension – you contribute 5% and we offer 5%.
- Life Insurance – lump sum (tax free) death benefit of 4x basic salary.
- Enhanced family leave.
- 25 days annual leave.
- Discretionary annual performance bonus.
What To Expect
- At Essential Pharma, every colleague matters: we want every member of the team to thrive and grow during their time with us.
- Right from the interview stage, we encourage candidates to ask us questions, voice opinions and be curious.
- This is a dynamic, fast‑paced working environment. We expect individuals to be responsible and accountable, while understanding the importance of collaborating with colleagues to fuel success.
- We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, based on the belief that everyone brings unique strengths and perspectives.
- We have an unwavering dedication to employee growth and development.
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