Associate Director, Business Development

Summit Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical oncology company focused on improving quality of life, increasing potential duration of life, and resolving serious unmet medical needs. Our core values include integrity, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, collaboration, and commitment to people. Summit is currently conducting multiple global Phase 3 clinical studies in oncology, including:

• Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
  • HARMONi: Evaluates ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy vs. placebo plus chemotherapy in EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC (previously treated with a 3rd generation EGFR TKI).
  • HARMONi-3: Evaluates ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy vs. pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in first-line metastatic NSCLC.
  • HARMONi-7: Evaluates ivonescimab monotherapy vs. pembrolizumab monotherapy in first-line metastatic NSCLC.
• Colorectal Cancer (CRC):
  • HARMONi-GI3: Evaluates ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy vs. bevacizumab plus chemotherapy.

Ivonescimab is an investigational therapy currently approved only by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Summit is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with additional offices in California, New Jersey, the UK, and Ireland.

About the role

The Associate Director, Business Development plays a critical role in advancing the company’s external innovation strategy by identifying, evaluating, and supporting the execution of strategic partnerships or combinations opportunities. This role reports to the Director of Business Development and works closely with the VP of Business Development and Strategic Alliances, partnering with the Alliance Management Lead and cross-functional teams to drive company growth through external collaborations and joint clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Scenario Planning:
  • Maintain a deep understanding of the oncology competitive landscape, emerging modalities, and deal trends to inform BD strategy and prioritization.
  • Partner with internal experts and strategy team members to shape future scenarios and action plans.
• Search & Evaluation:
  • Evaluate external assets, companies, platforms, and technologies aligned with the company’s oncology strategy and pipeline needs.
  • Triangulate, prioritize opportunities, and conduct robust financial and qualitative business case analysis.
• Transaction Support & Execution:
  • Support or lead deal processes including diligence, external communication with potential collaborators, coordinating contracting, and preparation of executive materials.
• Alliance & Relationship Management:
  • Contribute to collaboration alliance activities or clinical trial project oversight with partners, governance, and performance tracking of key alliances.
  • Ensure alignment with strategic objectives and operational milestones.
• Executive Communication:
  • Prepare high-impact presentations and recommendations for leadership, translating complex data into actionable insights and plans.
  • Serve on joint committees and/or facilitate alliance working groups.
• Innovation Mindset & Strategic Agility:
  • Bring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to identifying whitespace opportunities and shaping external growth initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with R&D, Clinical, Commercial, Market Planning, Legal, and Finance teams to assess strategic fit, risks, and integration requirements for potential deals.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in biopharma, consulting, or pharma investment with a focus on business development, strategy, and alliances.
• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, Masters, etc.); Bachelor’s degree required. Dual scientific and business background is a strong plus.
• Prior oncology drug experience in late-stage development and/or commercial stage required; strong understanding of oncology drug development, scientific platforms, and global commercial dynamics.
• Experience supporting or leading pharma or biotech drug development licensing, M&A, or strategic partnership processes.
• Understanding or experience in collaboration kick-offs, joint clinical trial, or project management to ensure successful contract implementation and relationship management.
• Proficient in MS Office suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Project); experience with electronic document management systems and document review tools.
• Experience with technology tools (e.g., Smartsheets, MS Project) for planning, maintenance, and communication of information is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and email correspondence.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding, and diverse environment, including global virtual meetings outside standard business hours.
• Willingness to travel to key congresses, collaboration meetings, or business meetings, including semi-frequent travel to hub office locations in Summit territories.

This role is primarily office-based.

Pay

Pay Transparency: $10 - $20 USD. Actual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. The total compensation package may also include bonus, stock, benefits, and/or other applicable variable compensation.