Head of Strategic Partnerships

About the role

The Head of Strategic Partnerships will drive long-term revenue by securing and managing complex, multi-year commercial agreements. This role focuses on building partnerships within the AI ecosystem, large-scale data generation, and population-scale studies to integrate 10x Genomics technology into drug discovery and development. You will balance market development with deal execution, working across internal teams to create bespoke business models that extend beyond standard catalog offerings. You will identify and prioritize high-value partners across the AI and biopharma sectors to fuel sustainable growth. This position requires you to lead market development efforts to increase demand for single-cell and spatial data in AI-driven drug development initiatives. You will cultivate relationships with key opinion leaders to build a robust pipeline of strategic opportunities that align with long-term goals. In addition, you will design commercial frameworks, including lifetime value modeling and partnership terms, to maximize the potential of each collaboration. Finally, you will negotiate and close complex agreements in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Marketing, Sales, and R&D departments to ensure alignment and success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Identify and prioritize high-value partners across the AI and biopharma sectors to ensure strategic alignment.
• Lead market development efforts to increase demand for single-cell and spatial data in AI-driven drug development.
• Cultivate relationships with key opinion leaders to build a pipeline of strategic opportunities that can be scaled.
• Design commercial frameworks, including lifetime value modeling and partnership terms, to optimize mutual benefits.
• Negotiate and close complex agreements in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Marketing, Sales, and R&D departments.
• Manage and expand major partnerships post-signing to ensure long-term growth and value realization.
• Advise senior leadership on the viability and strategic fit of inbound partnership inquiries to guide decision-making.
• Integrate 10x Genomics technology into drug discovery and development workflows through innovative partnership models.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to create bespoke business models that extend beyond standard catalog offerings.
• Drive the adoption of single-cell and spatial biology solutions within large-scale data generation and population-scale studies.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in genomics, life sciences, or biopharmaceuticals, with a proven track record of success.
• Advanced degree in genomics, genetics, or a related field, and/or an MBA to deepen business and scientific acumen.
• Demonstrated success in structuring and closing large, complex, multi-year commercial deals in competitive environments.
• Deep understanding of the AI and data ecosystem, including data licensing, compute infrastructure, and model training for virtual cell and tissue applications.
• Knowledge of drug discovery pipelines and how multiomic data creates commercial value across therapeutic areas.
• Technical proficiency in NGS, spatial biology, and single-cell technologies to engage effectively with scientific stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time to meet partners, attend conferences, and support field initiatives.
• Submission of a deal sheet alongside your resume to provide transparency and context for hiring managers.
• Strong commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with all corporate guidelines and regulations.
• Willingness to collaborate with global teams across different time zones and cultural contexts.

Nice to have

• Experience with population-scale genomics, such as biobanks, national genome programs, or large cohort studies, to leverage existing frameworks.
• Familiarity with public-private consortia and grant-funded research mechanisms to navigate complex partnerships.
• Business development experience within large biopharma organizations to understand enterprise-level decision-making.
• Background in AI or computational biology to bridge gaps between technical and commercial teams.
• Track record of managing multi-stakeholder projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience in negotiating data-sharing agreements and intellectual property arrangements.
• Familiarity with regulatory landscapes in genomics and biopharma to ensure smooth execution.

Skills & tools

• Strategic deal structuring and financial modeling to evaluate partnership opportunities.
• Market development and demand generation to drive adoption of innovative solutions.
• Cross-functional project management to coordinate efforts across departments.
• Executive communication and stakeholder management to influence senior leaders.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving to address complex commercial challenges.
• Relationship-building and networking to establish long-term trust with partners.
• Adaptability and agility to navigate fast-paced and evolving market conditions.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in managing contractual terms and deliverables.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively within diverse and multicultural teams.
• Results-driven approach to achieve and exceed performance targets.

Practical notes

This position is eligible for equity grants and comprehensive health and retirement programs. 10x Genomics does not accept unsolicited applications from third-party recruiters. All official communication originates from 10xgenomics.com email addresses. Applicants are required to submit a deal sheet with their application, and only candidates who meet the outlined requirements will be considered. Travel requirements include frequent interaction with partners in the Pleasanton headquarters and occasional visits to global hubs. This role demands a high level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the company's mission.