Vice President, Alliance Management & Business Development

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Vice President, Alliance Management & Business Development to lead one of the company's most critical external partnerships while driving the evaluation and execution of new business development opportunities. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer and working closely with the executive leadership team, this individual will serve as the senior relationship owner for a high-profile global collaboration with a major pharmaceutical partner and play a key role in shaping the company's long-term growth strategy.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience managing complex biotech-pharma alliances, exceptional executive-level relationship management skills, and a proven track record in evaluating, negotiating, and executing licensing and strategic transactions.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a unique combination of strategic thinking, scientific understanding, operational excellence, and business judgment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Strategic Alliance Leadership

• Serve as the executive lead for the company's strategic partnership with a major global pharmaceutical company in addition to other strategic relationships.
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders across both organizations.
• Drive governance activities, including Joint Development Committees and other alliance governance forums.
• Ensure alignment on strategic objectives, development priorities, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve partnership challenges while preserving strong long-term relationships.
• Monitor alliance performance and proactively identify opportunities to maximize value creation for both parties.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Commercial, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure successful execution of partnership obligations.

Business Development & Licensing

• In collaboration with our VP of Search & Evaluation, lead the clinical assessment of external innovation opportunities that complement and expand the company's pipeline and strategic priorities.
• Develop business cases and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Lead cross-functional diligence teams and coordinate external advisors as needed.
• In collaboration with our VP of Transactions, support negotiation and execution of term sheets, licensing agreements, collaboration agreements, and related transactions.

Corporate Strategy & Leadership

• Build and maintain a robust external network across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, venture capital, academic, and industry communities.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, partnering meetings, and investor-facing events.
• Mentor and develop alliance management and business development team members as the organization grows.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or related field; MBA or other business training preferred.
• 15+ years of biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Significant experience leading strategic alliances between biotechnology and multi-national pharmaceutical companies.
• Demonstrated success managing executive-level partner relationships and governance structures.
• Proven track record evaluating and executing licensing, collaboration, or M&A transactions.
• Strong understanding of drug development across research, clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercialization.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Leadership Characteristics

• A strategic thinker who can connect partnership execution to long-term corporate value creation.
• An exceptional relationship builder who earns trust across organizations and functions.
• A decisive business leader capable of balancing scientific rigor with commercial judgment.
• Highly collaborative, intellectually curious, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and skilled at driving alignment among diverse stakeholders with a problem-solving mindset.

What We Offer

Base compensation for this position ranges from $340,000 - $360,000. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Lakefront Biotherapeutics' performance bonus plan. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.