THIS SEARCH WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED.
About the company
Our client is a new national Centre of Excellence for developing, de-risking, and commercializing early-stage Green Chemistry discoveries generated by academic researchers and industry. Client is dedicated to developing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical and manufacturing practices. It is governed and operated with the assistance of industry members from across the chemical value chain.
Position Scope
The Director of Commercial Development reports to an Executive Director. They are one of several Directors who are responsible for their target sectors which include fine, bulk, petro-chemicals, and plastics and resins. These individuals work closely with the company’s multinational industry partners and in-house technical staff to identify and evaluate promising academic discoveries from across Canada. Each Director will develop and manage a commercialization plan that includes: product and application development, scale-up manufacturing, marketing, industry outreach, and intellectual property management.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working with a variety of stakeholders such as: academics, industry partners, government representatives, regulatory bodies, industry associations, strategic partners, service providers, client’s team members, etc.; the Director’s duties and responsibilities include:
Project Screening and Due Diligence
• Collect the required information to evaluate project opportunities
• Lead and/or conduct project opportunity evaluations based on a variety of technical and commercial criteria
• Prepare and present project recommendations and supporting materials to the client’s management team and steering committee as appropriate
Commercialization Plan Development and Implementation
• Develop, drive, and monitor commercialization plans to meet assigned project(s) objectives including: product and application development, scale-up manufacturing, marketing, industry outreach, and intellectual property management
• Identify project risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies and plans
• Working with client’s intellectual property (IP) team, ensure the appropriate IP strategy is developed and implemented to meet the project’s objectives
• Provide input to the contract negotiation team’s commercial discussions for assigned projects
• Provide project guidance where appropriate to all relevant stakeholders
• Lead and/or conduct the implementation of corrective action plans if/when appropriate
• Lead and/or conduct interim project evaluations including implementing the resultant recommendations as approved by the steering committee
Strategy and Process Development
• Act as a resident expert on the assigned industry sector
• Provide input to the further development of client’s strategies and processes, including budgeting and financial management
• Assist in the creation of tools and supporting materials to support client’s objectives
Market, Partner, and Business Development
• Assist in the identification of academic discoveries and potential market, partner, customer and/or funding opportunities through market research and networking
• Help develop and expand client’s external stakeholder relationships, liaising with various stakeholders such as: academic institutions, industrial partners, scientists, external labs, funding organizations, etc. to help achieve client’s objectives
Industry Outreach and Education
• Participate in industrial/government working groups related to the assigned industry sector
• Promote client awareness and educate key stakeholders and other target audiences
• Develop and maintain close links to key stakeholders in the assigned industrial sector and maintain the network of contacts
• Support client outreach activities through organization, attendance, and/or participation at relevant events, conferences, seminars etc.
Experience and Educational Requirements
• Advanced degree in Chemistry and/or Chemical Engineering
• 10-12 years experience in technology development and/or commercialization with a significant emphasis on business and technical due diligence
• a minimum of 7 years of direct industrial experience in one of: fine, bulk, or petro-chemicals
• a demonstrated entrepreneurial approach and experience working in high impact, cross-functional teams
• demonstrated ability in working with academic researchers and industrial partners
• experience dealing with technical and non-technical audiences at all levels of an organization
• intellectual property management, technology transfer, and licensing experience is an asset
Travel
Travel will be required to visit potential and existing stakeholders, primarily in Canada, although some international travel may be necessary. Travel demands will vary and are estimated to be 15-20%.
Remuneration and Benefits
Salary, incentives, and benefit package are commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance will be provided to the right candidate.