About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading external innovation efforts and due diligence processes within CSL's R&D team. You'll be responsible for optimizing how the company engages with external partners and innovation hubs while overseeing a team focused on regional ecosystem engagement. It's a senior-level position that combines strategic oversight with operational execution.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in business development, external partnerships, and a strong understanding of biotech ecosystems. A strategic thinker who thrives in collaborative environments and has a track record of leading teams will do well here.

Worth noting

The position is hybrid, requiring three days onsite, which may not suit everyone. The focus on AI tools for due diligence is a unique aspect, indicating a push towards innovation in operational processes.

CSL's R&D organization is accelerating innovation to deliver greater impact for patients. With a project-led structure and a focus on collaboration, we’re building a future-ready team that thrives in dynamic biotech ecosystems. Joining CSL now means being part of an agile team committed to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference worldwide.

Could you be our next Executive Director, Regional External Innovation and Due Diligence Lead? The job is in our Waltham MA Office. This is a hybrid position and is onsite three days a week.

Position Description Summary

The Executive Director will lead two critical areas: Due Diligence (DD) and Regional Ecosystem Engagement. This role is responsible for shaping strategies that accelerate external innovation, optimizing due diligence processes across therapeutic areas, and strengthening CSL’s presence in key innovation hubs globally. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep experience in business development, external partnerships, and emerging technologies.

Main Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Due Diligence Leadership

Design and implement an optimized DD process emphasizing consistency, speed, and efficiency across all therapeutic areas.
Track progress and performance metrics to ensure effective use of TA and functional resources, driving accountability and transparency.
Identify, assess, and deploy AI-based tools and best practices to enhance DD capabilities, partnering externally to bring cutting-edge solutions into CSL.

Regional Ecosystem Engagement

Lead a team of Regional Ecosystem Leads embedded in key innovation hubs to represent CSL and source innovation aligned with TA strategies.
Maintain strong local relationships and amplify CSL’s priorities at universities, incubators, accelerators, VCs, and local organizations.
Partner closely with Search TA Leads to conduct regional searches, plan engagements/conferences, and share regional insights.
Organize and represent CSL at local innovation events (e.g., CSL Boston Innovation Day) to strengthen visibility and partnerships.
Support research-related goals through regional engagement including identifying early targets/assets and facilitating collaborations (e.g. the RAI process)
Work closely with Search TA Leads and BD teams as part of deal teams through negotiation and deal close, ensuring seamless handoff and execution.
Contribute to early partnering strategies and onboarding approaches that create competitive advantage for CSL.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements

15+ years in biopharma with significant experience in business development, external innovation, and due diligence leadership.
Advanced degree required (PhD, MD, or equivalent).
Proven track record of designing and implementing scalable processes for asset evaluation and deal execution.
Strong understanding of AI-enabled tools and digital solutions for DD and portfolio analytics.
Deep network within biotech, academia, and innovation ecosystems globally.

#LI-HYBRID

About CSL Behring

CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by our promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients’ needs by using the latest technologies, we discover, develop and deliver innovative therapies for people living with conditions in the immunology, hematology, cardiovascular and metabolic, respiratory, and transplant therapeutic areas. We use three strategic scientific platforms of plasma fractionation, recombinant protein technology, and cell and gene therapy to support continued innovation and continually refine ways in which products can address unmet medical needs and help patients lead full lives.

CSL Behring operates one of the world’s largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. Our parent company, CSL, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs 32,000 people, and delivers its lifesaving therapies to people in more than 100 countries.

To learn more about CSL, CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor visit https://www.csl.com/ and CSL Plasma at https://www.cslplasma.com/.

Our Benefits

For more information on CSL benefits visit How CSL Supports Your Well-being | CSL.

You Belong at CSL

At CSL, Inclusion and Belonging is at the core of our mission and who we are. It fuels our innovation day in and day out. By celebrating our differences and creating a culture of curiosity and empathy, we are able to better understand and connect with our patients and donors, foster strong relationships with our stakeholders, and sustain a diverse workforce that will move our company and industry into the future.

To learn more about inclusion and belonging visit https://www.csl.com/careers/inclusion-and-belonging

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit https://www.csl.com/accessibility-statement.

Aplyr's read

CSL is a leader in biotechnology, focusing on therapies for rare diseases, with a diverse team dedicated to innovation and global impact.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•CSL has a strong focus on rare and serious diseases, offering a unique niche in the biotech industry.
•Recent hiring for senior roles indicates growth and investment in leadership and strategic capabilities.
•Global presence provides employees with opportunities for international collaboration and career development.

What to watch

•Highly specialized focus may limit opportunities for those outside the biotechnology field.
•Complex regulatory environment can pose challenges for compliance and operational efficiency.
•Rapid expansion may lead to integration challenges across diverse global teams.

Why CSL

•CSL's commitment to rare disease therapies differentiates it from broader-focused biotech firms.
•The company offers a wide array of roles, from regulatory affairs to ethics and compliance.
•CSL's global operations provide a platform for employees to engage in diverse cultural and professional experiences.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?