National Director, Proprietary Digital Platform
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our team as the National Director, Proprietary Digital Platform, and drive the execution of the Proprietary Digital Platform, an initiative run by an iconic global Canadian national non-for-profit. The purpose of the Proprietary Digital Platform is to make precision medicine and personalized clinical care available to all Canadians. Reporting to the President and Scientific Director, the National Director, Proprietary Digital Platform will oversee the delivery of the Proprietary Digital Platform and strategically develop the business model and commercialization strategy of the platform according to the long-term vision set by the non-profit, the innovation, science and economic development portfolio, and the Proprietary Digital Platform Executive Committee.
The mission of Proprietary Digital Platform is to bring precision medicine and personalized care to Canadians in the areas of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases through the application of big data and artificial intelligence. By transforming how health data is shared and analyzed, the Proprietary Digital Platform aims to create new opportunities for collaborative research and stimulate the commercialization of Canadian-made, homegrown research discoveries using cutting-edge AI and other computational platforms.
Our ideal candidate is an experienced industry professional with a strong background in high-level strategy and business model development in the health technology space. They have a proven track record of analyzing project requirements, identifying gaps and opportunities, and breaking them down into actionable steps. By leveraging their extensive network within the private health technology industry, the incumbent will actively promote the Proprietary Digital Platform, attracting new partners and a public-private user base to ensure its long-term sustainability beyond 2027. This role is less about direct sales and more about being a figurehead for the platform, building trust and relationships within the health technology sector, and guiding the platform's evolution based on market needs.
Responsibilities
Networking and Partnerships: 40%
Utilizing a strong health technology network, identify and form tri-party relationships between the Proprietary Digital Platform, public organizations, and private sector companies.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective collaboration, alignment between all interest holders, and seamless execution of partnership initiatives and communication activities.
Map the alignment of Proprietary Digital Platform within the broader system infrastructure and ecosystem, focusing on its strategic value and differentiation.
Negotiate with external organizations, consultants, and other interest holders, leveraging a strong network in the life sciences industry to capitalize on commercialization opportunities.
Represent and promote the possibilities of the Proprietary Digital Platform at industry conferences, investor meetings, scientific meetings, and networking events to promote its mission and foster collaboration and partnering opportunities.
Business Model Development and Sustainability: 40%
Develop a sustainable business model and risk management framework for the Proprietary Digital Platform, identifying precision medicine opportunities and planning for the commercialization of Proprietary Digital Platform after 2027.
Develop the Proprietary Digital Platform value proposition for the health technology market by analyzing the competitive landscape and creating a strategy tailored to the public sector and private industry organizations.
Continuously monitor industry trends and market dynamics to identify research and commercialization opportunities to maintain Proprietary Digital Platform competitiveness and growth.
Focus on ensuring the Proprietary Digital Platform is the most competitive product with the highest value proposition, emphasizing functionality, trust, privacy, and low maintenance costs before extensive business development efforts.
Proprietary Digital Platform Team Leadership and Strategic Direction: 20%
Understand the organization's vision of the platform in the context of the overall emerging health technology landscape.
Translate that vision into strategic plans, KPIs, and technical requirements for the Proprietary Digital Platform team to execute, ensuring operations align with the vision and timeline.
Track, report, and communicate updates of progress, successes, and challenges to the Proprietary Digital Platform Executive Committee during quarterly or ad-hoc meetings as required.
Provide strategic oversight and guidance to the internal team, ensuring alignment between product development and market needs, and addressing organizational challenges.
Work closely with the President and Scientific Director to define specific goals and a 30-60-90 day plan for the role, focusing on strategic problem-solving and guiding the platform's evolution.
Qualifications
Master's or PhD in science, engineering, health technology, or a related field that provides a strong understanding of AI, machine learning, and/or technology development.
A Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
Proven experience (minimum 10 years) in a leadership position in the private sector health technology space or equivalent with, preferably, a demonstrated familiarity with the Canadian health system and data sharing and commercialization ecosystem challenges.
Possesses a strong network and connections within the biotechnology, health technology, private sector investment, or other relevant spaces. The ideal candidate has experience with companies that have proximity to healthcare and understand the bottlenecks in data analysis.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences.
Strategic mindset with the ability to identify and evaluate new partnership opportunities, assess risks, and make informed recommendations.
Strong understanding of commercialization strategies, including technology transfer, IP management, and market adoption.
Knowledge of responsible innovation and AI integration in strategic planning is an asset.
Proactive, results-driven, and able to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to analyze market dynamics, assess business opportunities, and develop business development and partnership strategies.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to navigate complex interest holder landscapes, including government, industry, and research institutions.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a problem-solving mentality. This role requires someone who sees the Proprietary Digital Platform as a feasible solution to a significant problem in healthcare data access and is strategically interested in solving complex problems.
Comfortable with the ecosystem of health data, understanding concepts like federated data and privacy, and the capabilities and limitations of AI in this context.
A “figurehead” capable of representing the Proprietary Digital Platform externally and building influence within the health technology sector.
