Assoc. Director, Business Development (San Diego/Hybrid)

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At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director, Business Development is a senior strategic leader responsible for defining and executing the partnering strategy, with a focus on licensing & product development partnerships. This role leads a team responsible for business development and alliance management and collaborates cross-functionally to source, structure, and manage high-impact partnerships that accelerate revenue growth and strategic positioning. Defines vision, strategies, and tactics.

*This is a full-time role, Monday through Friday, with an expectation of 2- 3 in-office days per week and additional on-site presence as needed. The individual must reside in the San Diego area and be able to commute to our corporate offices.*

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight to the team, supporting their contributions to pipeline development and partnership execution.
• Supervise and manage negotiations of various deal types including for example, licensing, development, OEM agreements as well as other commercial agreements.
• Work closely with management to develop and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational goals.
• Effectively communicate and partner cross functionally with Product Development, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Operations, and other stakeholders to drive resource allocation, accountability and joint activities supporting deal process and partnership execution.
• Perform market analysis, build business cases, and manage strategic business opportunities of new products, technologies, services, add-on product opportunities, and monitor competitive activities.
• Develop and negotiate complex partnership structures that create long-term value, balancing commercial opportunity with risk and operational feasibility.
• Ensure governance frameworks are established for each partnership, defining success metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and communication protocols.
• Participate in recruitment and training of new employees.
• Collaborate with scientist, physicians, business development professionals, patent attorneys and others to achieve desired results.
• Excellent ability to evaluate and solve complex problems and the strategic implications of different business approaches.
• Results oriented with the ability and desire to effectively manage a project from start to finish both in time and with the desired financial outcome.
• Highly self-motivated.
• This role includes direct supervision of a team, with responsibility for performance management, coaching and development, workload prioritization, and day-to-day oversight. The position is also responsible for hiring, onboarding, and navigating people-related matters in alignment with company policies, values, and evolving workplace expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Requirements:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in business development or partnerships within the life sciences, healthcare, or related industries, with 7+ years of Management experience.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and feedback required.
• Ability to motivate and guide a team to achieve goals.
• Track record of impactful deals that show creativity and problem solving.
• Strong conceptual thinking, with the ability to anticipate and address ambiguous, high-stakes challenges.
• Expertise in managing cross-functional initiatives with operational and strategic oversight.
• Project management skills as well as drive strategic thinking.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and challenges.

#LI-HYBRID

The estimated base salary range for the Assoc. Director, Business Development (San Diego/Hybrid) role based in the United States of America is: $167,200 - $250,800. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.