Senior Director, Alliance Management

Summary

Join Verona Pharma as a Senior Director, Alliance Management, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. Lead and manage strategic partnerships, maximizing existing collaborations and identifying new growth opportunities. This dual-focused role requires expertise in biopharmaceutical development and commercialization, proven success in business development deals, and strong relationship management skills. Verona Pharma offers a competitive benefits package, including generous PTO, and a collaborative, inclusive culture. The position requires a local presence in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area for periodic in-person collaboration. Be part of a team bringing first-in-class treatments to patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in domestic and international alliance management, business development, or a related role within the biopharmaceutical industry
• Strong knowledge of drug development, commercialization, and the pharmaceutical regulatory environment
• Demonstrated experience leading successful business development deals, including asset identification and evaluation, and structuring and negotiating agreements
• Proven ability to manage and influence senior-level relationships within and outside the organization
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities
• Ability to travel as required to support partner relationships and business development activities
• While we value and support remote work, this position requires a local presence in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area for periodic in-person collaboration, training, and important team meetings

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary relationship manager for key strategic partnerships, fostering strong, collaborative relationships
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between Verona Pharma and its partners to achieve joint objectives
• Lead governance and operational oversight for alliances, including managing joint committees and driving issue resolution
• Monitor partnership performance, tracking milestones, deliverables, and contractual obligations of both Verona and the respective partners
• Identify and address risks and opportunities within alliances to optimize outcomes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Finance) to ensure seamless partnership execution
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business development opportunities, including partnerships, in-licensing, and out-licensing opportunities
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop in-licensing and out-licensing process and strategy
• Partner with Commercial operations to conduct market research and competitive intelligence to inform strategic decisions
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of potential in-license and out-license business development opportunities
• Represent Verona Pharma in external meetings, conferences, and industry forums
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or MD)

Benefits

• Remote work flexibility for a better work-life balance
• Competitive benefits, including generous PTO and comprehensive health plans