Business Operations Lead- External Innovation

Role Summary

The Business Operations Lead role in External Innovation (EI) is a strategic and essential position to deliver Biomedical Research’s external innovation and academic collaboration strategy efficiently and compliantly. The BR Business Operations Lead supports the goals of the BR EI team by leading essential operational responsibilities, supporting the Global Head of Academic Partnership and External Innovation and staff, driving and ensuring optimal alignment of resources and engaging with the wider BR community. Location: Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Strategic and operational impact: Implement external innovation and academic collaboration strategy efficiently and compliantly; interface with stakeholders across DAs/FAs, ERC, Legal, Finance, academia, and Heads of Operations to align projects, resources, and priorities; facilitate cross-functional coordination and process improvement as a member of the EI Leadership Team; lead key cross-functional projects supporting BR’s and DAs/FAs' strategic interests with academic partners (e.g., Early Career Investigator Program, Lead for EI workstreams, Lean In sessions, EI Updates; offsite agenda and logistics).
• Governance of the External Scientific Monetary Support Program (ESMSP): Govern ESMSP and be accountable for the External Scientific Monetary Sponsorship Fund; lead the Global Sponsorship Governance Committee meetings; manage the ESMSP database (GEMS) for compliance and audit readiness; review and triage external sponsorship requests (>150/year) with DAs/FAs, ERC, and Finance to develop funding strategies and ensure legal compliance.
• Visibility, Branding, And Partner Experience: Centralize activities shaping BR’s external image, coordinate with COMMS for third-party communications, prepare partner materials, brochures, presentations, and web presence; coordinate events at partnering conferences and government delegation visits; participate in panels as assigned.
• Leadership support and financial stewardship: Provide reliable operational and executive support for internal/external engagements, leadership meetings, travel, and onboarding; partner with Finance to plan, track, and optimize the global EI budget; ensure spending aligns with strategy and is transparently managed.

Qualifications

• Required: B.S. or B.A. in a science or business-related field
• Required: 4+ years’ experience providing administrative support and managing projects for executives in a global pharmaceutical setting
• Required: Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive matters
• Required: Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint; experience with databases such as SharePoint
• Required: Experience in preparing presentations, partnering brochures, web design
• Required: Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple responsibilities and projects; flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
• Required: Strong organizational abilities and time management with keen attention to detail
• Required: Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and align interests of multiple parties
• Required: Strong interpersonal skills, high level of self-motivation and drive
• Required: Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Preferred: Masters degree in a science or business-related field
• Preferred: Experience in an R&D setting

Skills

• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic project management
• Stakeholder engagement and governance
• Operational excellence and process improvement
• Financial stewardship and budgeting
• Effective communication and presentation