Lead Portfolio and Business Development

About the Team – Portfolio and Business development Portfolio Management and Business Development Team is a key part of the core teams at Zydus Lifesciences. This group plays a critical role in identifying and assessing new business opportunities, driving strategic initiatives, and aligning them with long-term company goals. It also supports inorganic growth through licensing, mergers, acquisitions across diverse therapeutic areas and markets and involves collaborations across multiple teams within the larger organization. In the said role we are seeking a dynamic and strategic mid-level manager to join our Portfolio and Business Development team. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between portfolio selection, deal execution, and high-level networking, taking ownership of strategic meetings during key global pharmaceutical trade shows. Internal cross function teams, R&D, Marketing, IP Business Development (US Market) Scout and evaluate inbound and outbound opportunities for the US market, including in-licensing, out-licensing, asset acquisitions (ANDAs), and co-development partnerships. Support the end-to-end deal process—from initial contact and CDA execution to due diligence, financial modeling, term sheet negotiation, and definitive agreement closure. Manage and nurture relationships with existing CDMOs, CROs, and commercial partners to ensure contract compliance and maximize alliance value. Market Intelligence: Monitor US generic and specialty market trends, competitor activities, and FDA regulatory shifts to identify new business avenues. Analyze IQVIA/IMS data and market dynamics to identify gaps in the current US portfolio and recommend high-value product candidates (Oral Solids, Injectables, Complex Generics, etc.). Commercial Evaluation: Prepare detailed business cases (ROI?NPV/IRR analysis) for potential product launches, factoring in development costs, litigation risks (Para IV), and pricing erosion. Lifecycle Management: Collaborate with R&D, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to track product development milestones and ensure timely filing and launch of key assets. Grid Management: Maintain the master portfolio grid, ensuring alignment between the US commercial team's needs and the manufacturing capabilities in India. Global Representation: Represent Zydus Lifesciences at major pharmaceutical trade shows and conferences (e.g., CPHI Worldwide, DCAT Week, etc). Take full ownership of the trade show meeting schedule. Booth & Brand Presence: Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure the Zydus booth (if applicable) aligns with business goals and effectively showcases the US portfolio capabilities. Systematically track all leads generated during events and ensure timely follow-up actions are taken to convert meetings into concrete business opportunities. Prepare high-quality presentation decks and dossiers for Senior Management, the Board of Directors, and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs). Strategic Synthesis: Act as a bridge between operational teams and leadership by synthesizing complex data (financials, R&D timelines, market share) into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-making. Performance Analysis: Lead the preparation of Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) reports, analyzing variance in budgeted vs. actual revenue for new launches and providing risk-mitigation strategies for the US business. Facilitate strategy sessions with cross-functional heads to ensure the US growth narrative is consistent across R&D, manufacturing, and commercial divisions. Note: The responsibilities and weights assigned to tasks may be adjusted based on business priorities and evolving project needs. Qualification and experience: Master’s degree in pharmacy, Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant industry experience of 12-15 years. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and data interpretation (IQVIA, Newport, etc.). Networking: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with international partners and stakeholders. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of creating high-quality presentations for senior leadership. Experience working with cross-functional teams, including legal, R&D, regulatory, and Marketing. Travel Requirements ~ The role is based out of the Zydus Corporate Office in Ahmedabad and may involve domestic and international travel, as per business needs.