Senior Director, Corporate Development

About the role

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, Corporate Development based in the United States. This senior executive role offers the opportunity to shape long-term growth and transformation within a global life sciences organization. Reporting to the SVP of Business Development & Corporate Strategy, you will help define and execute strategic priorities across the business. You will identify and lead M&A, licensing, partnership, divestiture, and portfolio optimization opportunities from strategy through execution. The role combines corporate strategy, financial analysis, transaction expertise, and market intelligence to support high-impact decisions. You will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams while managing external advisors throughout complex transactions. Your insights will help identify emerging opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and allocate resources toward the highest-value initiatives. This is a high-visibility role for an experienced corporate development leader who can operate effectively in a fast-paced global environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior business development and strategy leadership to develop and execute long-range strategic plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Source, assess, structure, and execute M&A opportunities, strategic partnerships, and licensing agreements that support innovation and portfolio growth.
• Lead end-to-end transaction processes, including target identification, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, and preparation for post-merger integration.
• Retain alliance management responsibilities where appropriate for structured partnerships and licensing arrangements that do not involve full integration.
• Build sophisticated financial models, business cases, and valuation analyses to quantify strategic value creation and support executive decision-making.
• Manage external investment banks, consulting firms, legal counsel, and other advisors throughout transaction and strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate portfolio optimization opportunities, including divestitures and asset rationalization, to focus resources on high-value priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of corporate strategy, identifying growth opportunities, competitive positioning priorities, and potential divestiture opportunities.
• Define key performance indicators and establish metrics to monitor the effectiveness and progress of long-range strategic initiatives.
• Conduct market research, industry analysis, competitive benchmarking, and trend monitoring to identify opportunities and potential risks.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and engage senior leadership in developing, prioritizing, and executing strategic initiatives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leaders based on industry developments, competitive intelligence, market trends, and relevant best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, life sciences, or a related field; an MBA from a top-tier program is strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, corporate development, business development, strategy consulting, M&A, investment banking, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience working within a global life sciences organization is required, with pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
• Strong expertise in financial modeling and advanced Excel capabilities, combined with excellent PowerPoint and executive presentation skills.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional projects and collaborating with senior stakeholders across multiple business functions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated understanding of M&A processes, partnerships, licensing, valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, and portfolio strategy.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior-level decision-making.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, with the ability to foster productive and collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and globally oriented environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging trends.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship or transfer