Director Corporate Development in Wakefield

About the Company

Pharmanovia is a dynamic, fast-growing international pharmaceutical company with a portfolio of over 20 brands across more than 160 markets. Our mission is to improve patient health globally by revitalising niche, trusted medicines. Since 2013, we have grown consistently, supported by a diverse global team of over 300 employees across 29 nationalities. Our therapeutic focus includes Cardiovascular, Oncology, Endocrinology and Neurology, and we partner with leading pharmaceutical companies to maximise the lifecycle value of established medicines.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Director – Corporate Development to join our high-performing Corporate Development team. Reporting directly to the Chief Corporate Development Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Pharmanovia’s future portfolio and growth strategy by executing strategic transactions across licensing, M&A, divestments, and partnerships. This is a highly visible, externally facing role with significant exposure to senior stakeholders, global counterparties, investors, biotech companies, and advisors across international markets, including Europe, the US, and Asia. You will lead transactions across the full deal lifecycle — from opportunity assessment and investment thesis development through to negotiation, execution and operational handover.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute strategic transactions across in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, divestments and distribution partnerships.
• Identify, evaluate and assess commercially attractive assets, with a strong focus on innovative medicines, speciality products and NCEs.
• Drive transaction execution end-to-end, including valuation, financial modelling, deal structuring, negotiation and closing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with biotech companies, pharmaceutical partners, advisors and industry stakeholders to support deal origination and pipeline growth.
• Lead external negotiations and senior-level partner discussions, representing Pharmanovia in high-profile strategic engagements.
• Prepare and present investment papers, financial analyses, NBOs, Board materials and strategic recommendations for senior leadership approval.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional due diligence activities across Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, Legal, Finance and Supply Chain functions.
• Partner closely with Legal teams to negotiate and finalise transaction documentation from term sheets through to definitive agreements.
• Support the development and enhancement of the Corporate Development function, including mentoring junior team members and improving internal processes.
• Lead and contribute to pipeline review meetings, portfolio assessments and strategic opportunity evaluations.
• Provide regular transaction updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Represent Pharmanovia at international conferences, partnering meetings and industry events to expand network opportunities and enhance market visibility.
• Utilise AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve transaction analysis, execution efficiency and decision-making processes.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years’ experience within Corporate Development, Business Development, Licensing, M&A or transaction advisory in the pharmaceutical or biotech sector.
• Proven track record leading or supporting successful licensing transactions, acquisitions or strategic partnerships, ideally involving innovative products or NCEs.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and transaction structuring capabilities.
• Experience preparing investment materials, Board papers, NBOs and transaction documentation.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess market opportunity, strategic fit and long-term value creation.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders in complex global environments.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry dynamics, including IP, regulatory, clinical development and commercial considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain industry networks across biotech, pharma and advisory communities.
• Comfortable operating independently in external negotiations and senior partner discussions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Business or a related discipline (advanced qualifications advantageous).

Required Skills

• Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial judgement.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure deal environments.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across matrix organisations.
• High professional standards and international business acumen.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Why Join Pharmanovia?

• Join a rapidly growing global pharmaceutical business with ambitious expansion plans.
• Play a critical role in shaping the company’s future portfolio and strategic direction.
• Work on high-profile international licensing and M&A transactions.
• Gain exposure to senior leadership, global partners and leading biotech innovators.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial and high-performing culture.
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working model.

Pay range and compensation package

We offer a competitive salary plus a bonus and rewards package, including holidays, employee recognition awards, social events, a pension scheme, and hybrid working.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Pharmanovia is an equal-opportunity employer. Pharmanovia does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on an individual’s race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, marital status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination. Pharmanovia will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.