Business Development Manager

Sanquin for life

Working at Sanquin means making a difference—every single day. Our work provides safe, accessible blood products, diagnostics and medicines to those who need them. At Sanquinnovate, we bridge cutting-edge research and the market, and we rely on driven professionals to turn scientific excellence into sustainable value.

What does your day look like?

As Business Development Manager, you will be hands-on involved in developing and executing commercial and licensing strategies for Sanquinnovate’s innovation portfolio. A typical day might include:

• Driving licensing and partnerships: Identify, structure, and execute licensing agreements, co-development deals, and strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical and diagnostics partners to translate research into tangible applications.
• Building internal alignment: Work closely with Sanquin researchers to understand the scientific and clinical value of their work, build trusted relationships, and guide projects through the valorization process from early-stage discovery to partner readiness.
• Pipeline development and scouting: Proactively identify and assess high-potential research projects, strengthening the innovation pipeline with a focus on diagnostics, diagnostic platforms, and therapeutic compounds.
• Asset and strategy management: Advance selected assets by developing robust business cases, defining IP and freedom-to-operate strategies in collaboration with internal experts, and shaping partnering and funding approaches tailored to each opportunity.
• Deal execution: Lead negotiations, due diligence, and contracting processes, ensuring agreements are structured to balance scientific, financial, and long-term strategic value.

Where will you be working?

You will be part of the Sanquinnovate team within Sanquin Health Solutions. Sanquinnovate focuses on valorizing Sanquin’s research into market-ready products and services. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will collaborate closely with researchers and internal stakeholders. You will have flexibility in your working location, with regular meetings at our Amsterdam headquarters.

Where do you add value?

We are looking for a socially strong, proactive professional with a true can-do mentality. You add value by:

• Leading and executing licensing and business development activities for concrete innovation projects;
• Connecting research expertise with market needs, while keeping scientific ownership where it belongs: with the researchers;
• Building sustainable partnerships with biotech, pharma and diagnostic companies;
• Strengthening Sanquinnovate’s position as a trusted partner in innovation and valorization.

Focus Areas

• Licensing deals with pharma and/or large diagnostic partners;
• Collaboration and partnership agreements;
• Valorization of Sanquin research and assets;
• Scouting and pipeline development in close collaboration with researchers;
• Hands-on execution of business development activities from first contact to signed agreement.

What do you bring to the table?

• Education: Master’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field; a PhD is preferred;
• Demonstrated experience with valorization activities, including the commercialization of research outcomes and innovations, is a pré.
• Experience: 3–5 years of relevant experience in business development, licensing, or consultancy within the life sciences sector;
• Licensing track record: Demonstrated experience in originating and executing licensing deals and strategic collaborations, including direct exposure to partnerships with pharmaceutical companies for therapeutic development and/or with diagnostic partners for assay or platform development;
• Business acumen: Solid understanding of valorization pathways, IP positioning, deal structuring, and contract negotiations, with the ability to translate scientific output into commercially viable opportunities;
• Stakeholder management: Strong communicator in both Dutch and English, able to engage effectively with researchers as well as external partners, and to bridge scientific and business perspectives;
• Working style: Self-driven and resilient, with the ability to independently move projects forward while maintaining strong collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What does Sanquin offer you?

Joining Sanquinnovate means being part of a forward-thinking environment where innovation and collaboration are key. We offer:

• Competitive salary (scale FWG 65), aligned with your experience;
• 8.33% year-end bonus and 8.33% vacation allowance;
• 201 hours of annual leave (based on a 36-hour workweek);
• €2,000 development budget every 3 years for professional advancement;
• Travel reimbursement starting from the first kilometer;
• Collective agreements with various insurers;
• Flexible benefits package tailored to your needs;
• Pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn, with 65% contribution from Sanquin;
• Flexible working hours and ongoing professional development opportunities.

You can find more information about our terms of employment at
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More info

For more information, contact Yessi Kristiani (Corporate Recruiter), y.kristiani@sanquin.nl. Are you ready to make a difference as Business Development Manager at Sanquinnovate? Apply directly now.

A pre-employment screening will be part of the recruitment process.

Acquisition is not appreciated. Sanquin does not accept unrequested help from agencies for this vacancy. CVs (in whatever shape or form) sent by agencies without a written assignment will be considered property of Sanquin and no compensation will be owed.