Summary The Business Development Senior Manager for the Topian Novel Foods Business Unit will have the primary objective to lead the early-stage business development efforts with a focus on forging partnerships within the alternative protein sector. This encompasses plant-based meat, plant-based dairy, biomass fermentation, precision fermentation, and cultured meat technologies. The role involves identifying, engaging, and prioritizing potential partners, while also assisting in the development of term sheets and related materials in collaboration with internal teams. This individual will serve as the primary liaison with internal stakeholders and external entities, facilitating extensive engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders including multinational corporations, SMEs, start-ups, VCs, and knowledge institutes. Responsibilities include:

• Partner Identification and Engagement: Identify and engage potential partners within the specified technology domains.
• Business and IP Profiling: Conduct thorough assessments to establish business and intellectual property profiles of potential partners, providing valuable insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Database Management: Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of potential partners, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for effective collaboration and decision-making.
• Prioritization and Localization: Prioritize potential partners based on strategic objectives and potential for localization to NEOM, aligning business development efforts with broader organizational goals.
• Collaborative Support: Work closely with Topian’s Commercial Development, Finance, Legal, and Project Management teams an NEOM Investment Fund, providing support in the development of term sheets and related materials.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external entities such as multinational corporations, fostering productive relationships and facilitating collaboration across diverse teams and organizations.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess a versatile skill set encompassing technical expertise, marketing prowess and strong sales business acumen. Specifically, they should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of alternative protein production, including understanding market dynamics, sales strategies, investment considerations, and intellectual property implications. Additionally, the candidate should excel in engaging and attracting potential partners, delivering persuasive presentations, and effectively addressing both technical and business inquiries tailored to diverse audiences. Crucially, they must have the ability to articulate the strategic business value of potential partnerships to Topian’s Commercial, Finance, and Legal leadership teams. Position description and responsibilities Introduction NEOM aims at providing opportunities for people to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives, while sustainably using the natural resources upon which they depend. NEOM partners with governments, local and international businesses, and knowledge institutes to transform ideas into policy, policy into action, and action into impact. NEOM uses its technical knowledge and experience, passionate staff, local presence, and global influence to make a lasting difference in people’s livability, especially in desert-like conditions in a world facing climate change. Topian is planning the development of a world-class manufacturing and innovation alternative protein ecosystem. This will be based on developing partnerships with leading companies in plant-based meat, plant-based dairy, biomass fermentation, precision fermentation, and cultured meat. The Senior Manager, Business Development, will be responsible for implementing a business strategy plan that will attract the right potential partners and enable the success of Topian’s alternative protein vision. Position description and responsibilities The Business Development Senior Manager at Topian will have the primary focus to identify and engage potential partners in the burgeoning field of alternative protein. This role is crucial for driving Topian's growth and success in the alternative protein industry through strategic partnerships, innovative collaborations, and visionary leadership. Responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and engaging potential partners in the alternative protein sector, including major companies, start-ups, and research institutions, aligning their vision with Topian's alternative protein goals.
• Establishing business and IP profiles of potential partners to ensure compatibility with Topian's objectives.
• Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of potential partners for ongoing collaboration and business development efforts.
• Prioritizing potential partners for localization to NEOM, ensuring strategic alignment with Topian's expansion plans.
• Cultivating external partner relationships spanning Contract Research Organizations (CROs), multinational corporations, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, venture capitalists (VCs), and knowledge institutes.
• Creating compelling business cases for each target partner, showcasing the mutual benefits of collaboration with Topian.
• Assisting Topian's Commercial, Business Development, and Legal Teams in crafting term sheets and related requirements for potential partnerships.
• Proposing partnership scenarios that foster success for both Topian and its target companies.
• Providing regular updates on key business trends and emerging opportunities within the plant-based meat and dairy, biomass and precision fermentation, and cultured meat sectors.
• Establishing documentation and reporting mechanisms to facilitate adaptation to industry trends and communicate strategic recommendations.
• Ensuring high visibility for Topian's alternative protein vision through the development of attractive brand imaging and marketing strategies.
• Guiding partner development strategy in alignment with key internal stakeholders involved in infrastructure development, including Novel Foods teams, Asset Development, and Projects teams.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience: 10-15 years of experience in business development within the food and beverage industry or related fields. Extensive experience contributing to diverse multi-disciplinary teams and delivering successful projects and programs. Knowledge and experience in finance, with a strong understanding of financial implications and investment strategies.
• Technical Expertise: Possess a comprehensive understanding of alternative protein production processes, encompassing plant-based, fermentation, and cultured meat technologies. Demonstrated knowledge of market dynamics, sales strategies, investment profiles, and intellectual property considerations within the alternative protein industry.
• Marketing and Sales Skills: Proven ability to attract potential partners through effective marketing and sales strategies. Skilled in delivering persuasive presentations that articulate the business value of partnerships to diverse stakeholders, including multinational corporations, SMEs, and investors.
• Business Acumen: Strong grasp of business principles and practices, with a keen ability to analyze market trends, assess financial implications, and develop strategic recommendations. Experience in project management and delivery of business-related projects and programs within the food and beverage industry or related sectors.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, adept at conveying complex technical and business concepts in a clear and concise manner tailored to various audiences. Effective in collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to drive results.
• Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Proven track record of successful project management and delivery, with a focus on driving innovation and achieving business objectives.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the alternative protein industry, including plant-based, fermentation, and cultured meat sectors. Familiarity with market dynamics, sales strategies, investment profiles, and intellectual property considerations. Passion for NEOM's mission to adopt innovative trends in food and alternative products to enhance health and wellness globally.
• Networking and Analytical Skills: Strong networking skills with a willingness to initiate engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Advanced analytical interpretation and problem-solving skills, capable of thinking strategically to develop integrated and holistic solutions that drive business growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a food-related discipline with an emphasis on business applications
• Master’s degree in business administration is a plus

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