Senior Director Business Development

An AI-native drug discovery company is looking to appoint a Senior Director / VP Business Development to lead strategic partnering across pharma, biotech and platform collaborations.

The company is building a technology-led discovery engine, combining AI, data and experimental validation to identify and progress novel therapeutic opportunities.

As the platform matures, the business is now looking for a senior commercial leader who can turn platform capability, early programmes and technical differentiation into meaningful external partnerships. The focus is on strategic BD: opening senior pharma relationships, shaping collaboration models, identifying where the platform has genuine value, and helping position the company as a credible discovery partner.

Key responsibilities

• Lead pharma and biotech partnering activity across AI-enabled drug discovery
• Identify opportunities for platform collaborations, co-discovery deals, asset generation and licensing
• Build senior relationships with pharma BD, external innovation, R&D and venture teams
• Translate AI platform capability into a clear commercial and partnering proposition
• Work with the CEO, CSO and technical leadership to shape deal narratives and external messaging
• Support search, evaluation and prioritisation of partnership opportunities
• Represent the company at major partnering meetings, conferences and strategic discussions
• Ideal background:
• Senior BD, strategic partnerships, search & evaluation or alliance experience
• Background in biotech, pharma, Tech
• Bio, AI drug discovery or platform-enabled drug discovery
• Experience building partnerships around discovery platforms, early-stage assets or enabling technologies
• Strong understanding of how pharma assesses external innovation and early discovery opportunities
• Ability to communicate across commercial, scientific and technical audiences
• Network across pharma, biotech, investors and strategic partners