Head of Product

Company Bactobio is a London biotech startup. We work to solve the antimicrobial resistance crisis across healthcare and agriculture by producing the next generation of market-leading antimicrobials. Since inception in 2020, Bactobio has built a deeptech platform that combines AI, synthetic biology, and multiomics to routinely discover new antimicrobial classes from nature. Our antimicrobial platform is fully operational, and we now successfully target the worst diseases and build portfolios of new, safe, and effective antimicrobial classes that bypass resistance that we then move towards commercialisation. Our culture is built around impact, empowerment, and collaboration. We attract incredible scientists from world-leading institutions, mix them with operational experts, and provide guidance through industry leaders acting as mentors. We strongly believe that diversity combined with open and inclusive conversations lead to better solutions. As a result, we have created a collaborative work environment, where ambitious people enjoy working together to make the world greener and safer. Team Our Product team is a close-knit group that sits at the interface between science, market, and strategy. We work closely with research teams to translate biological discovery into scalable, market-ready products - while also shaping the long-term direction of the company’s pipeline and commercial focus. We operate with a high level of ownership, clear accountability, and a strong bias towards impact. Role We are looking for a Head of Product to own Bactobio’s product strategy. You will lead the Product team and build out a future Business Development function, ensuring that scientific innovation is translated into products that solve real customer problems and create long-term value. This is a highly strategic role at the centre of the company, with significant influence over investment priorities, partnerships, and company direction as we prepare for and execute a Series A and beyond. Reporting directly to our cofounder and CEO and working closely with our cofounder and CSO, you will develop and execute our commercialisation strategy, communicate the potential of our platform, and initiate strategic, scientific, and commercial partnerships. Key Responsibilities Own and define Bactobio’s product vision and portfolio strategy across healthcare and agriculture Lead prioritisation of the compound pipeline based on product-market fit, impact, and commercial potential Drive customer discovery, market insight, and product positioning in target markets by initiating and building relationships with key market participants Shape commercialisation strategies for novel fungicides and antibiotics and lead licensing and partnership negotiations Own the product IP strategy to maximise long-term product value Support fundraising and non-dilutive funding efforts through compelling product narratives Build, lead, and scale a high-performing Product team (with future expansion into Business Development) What success looks like in 6-12 months A clear, well-articulated product vision and portfolio strategy that aligns scientific discovery with market opportunity Strong integration of Bactobio into healthcare and agriculture sectors Completing first commercial deal A prioritised and validated compound pipeline, with clear rationale for progression, partnering, or deprioritisation decisions Demonstrated product-market fit signals for core healthcare and agricultural products, informed by customer and partner engagement Defined product positioning and value propositions for priority assets, used consistently across commercial and investor materials Strong collaboration between Product and Science, with clear product requirements guiding discovery and development efforts A scalable, well-organised, and engaged Product team, with clear processes and ownership Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required 5+ years’ experience in startups / strategy / consulting / business development Master’s Degree in Chemistry or related field Ability to lead a highly accomplished and ambitious young team Outstanding communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English and strong presentation skills and capabilities with Microsoft Office Proven ability to influence and negotiate effectively with senior, cross-functional stakeholders Exceptional project management skills – proven experience in leading strategic initiatives and handling multiple projects simultaneously, ideally in a fast-changing environment A focus on impact and delivering high-quality results, as an individual contributor and by guiding people around you Collaborative drive and good team ethic Desirable PhD in Chemistry or related field Experience in closing commercial agreements within agriculture or healthcare Benefits Competitive starting salary The chance to be part of a fun, multicultural, kind, ambitious and impact-driven crowd Daily access to leaders and mentors in the business Brand new, modern labs in Central London with dedicated office space, large balconies, and 360’ views of the London skyline, where we all spend 4 days per week (1 day working from home) 25 days holiday + bank holidays Paid maternity leave (12 weeks) and paternity/new parent leave (6 weeks) Up to 2 months of fully paid sick leave Flexible start and finish times within the company’s core hours to fit your preferences 4 weeks of fully paid sabbatical leave after 5 years of service Diverse team of colleagues (check out our website to meet us) Weekly team activities including board games, sports activities, and socials Complimentary snacks, fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks,... Access to 1000s of training courses through Udemy, with an allowance for both personal development and work-related training Bike2Work scheme Employee Assistance Programme offering structured counselling, life and career coaching, legal and financial advice