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Forge Biologics, a U.S. subsidiary of Ajinomoto Co., Inc., is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive strategic growth for AJIPHASE®, a proprietary hybrid solid/solution-phase synthesis technology for manufacturing high-purity oligonucleotides and peptides. This role sits within the Client Development department and reports to the VP of Business Development.
You will serve as a strategic bridge between North American biopharmaceutical and biotech clients and Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services' specialized manufacturing teams in Japan. Your primary responsibilities include generating high-value sales leads and identifying clinical and commercial pipeline opportunities in North America for the AJIPHASE® platform, targeting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing oligonucleotides and peptides.
Key responsibilities include: coordinating technical project workflows and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) requirements to ensure alignment with client needs; facilitating cross-border technical communications between North American clients and Japan-based AJIPHASE® expert teams; negotiating and structuring complex master services agreements (MSAs) and statements of work (SOWs); presenting AJIPHASE® technical capabilities at industry conferences and scientific forums; and traveling domestically to build and maintain client relationships across major biopharma clusters, with periodic international travel to Japan (2-3 times annually).
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology) or business degree with substantial pharmaceutical experience; 3–5 years of dedicated Business Development experience; 3+ years of hands-on CMC experience at a pharmaceutical/biotech company or CDMO; demonstrated familiarity with CRM systems and technical CMC documentation workflows; experience collaborating across global time zones; and willingness to travel domestically 25-50% of the time plus international travel.
Preferred qualifications include strong CMC-related skills and technical knowledge of oligonucleotide and peptide chemistry/synthesis; established commercial network within major global biopharma clusters (Boston, San Francisco, Europe); and direct experience with cross-cultural communications and operations within global Japanese or multinational entities.
