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Vice President, Business Development and Alliance Management

Circle Pharma

South San Francisco, CA, US
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  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Function: Business Dev
  • Industry: Biotechnology
  • Post Date: 03/09/2025
  • Website: circlepharma.com
  • Company Address: 681 Gateway Blvd, 3rd Floor, South San Francisco, California, 94080

About Circle Pharma

Circle Pharma is an early-stage biotechnology company applying proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative chemistry to develop cell-permeable macrocycle peptide therapeutics against important clinical targets. It does this through an iterative, rational design process that deploys large virtual libraries of conformationally diversemacrocycle scaffolds selected for inherent permeability.

Job Description

Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company advancing the discovery and development of cell-permeable oral macrocycle therapeutics. Our platform combines structure-based drug design and advanced synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for severe unmet clinical needs.  Our development pipeline is focused on cyclins, which are master regulators of the machinery that control the progression of cells through the cell cycle and are key drivers in many cancers.  We have a first-in-class oral macrocycle cyclin A/B RxL inhibitor in Phase 1 clinical development for solid tumors, with other programs following.
 
We seek passionate individuals poised to drive our growth and make a difference. Learn more about Circle Pharma at www.circlepharma.com.
 
Circle Pharma is seeking an experienced Vice President of Business Development and Alliance Management. This individual will be a senior leader responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships to accelerate Circle’s growth and execution of its vision pertaining to both its macrocycle platform and its growing pipeline of oncology assets. This position will work in close collaboration with the CEO, CFO, and other senior executives to shape and execute the company’s business development strategy. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry and exceptional negotiation skills. They will have a proven track record of executing high-impact alliances and licensing deals and will preferably have experience in platform-based transactions and collaborations.
 
This role requires regular on-site presence and will be based at Circle’s South San Francisco, CA location.

Key Responsibilities:

    • Strategic Leadership: Lead and execute Circle’s strategy for business development and alliance management, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall goals. Provide strategic guidance to senior management and contribute to the leadership team’s decisions regarding corporate direction and opportunities.
    • Transaction Leadership: Lead the identification, structuring, negotiation, and execution of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, licensing agreements, mergers, and acquisitions. Oversee the due diligence process and ensure successful integration of new partnerships into the business.
    • Alliance Management: Serve as the senior point of contact for collaborative partnerships, fostering strong, effective relationships while ensuring smooth governance and operational management.  Oversee alliance management function, including coordination of alliances with external partners and internal teams and resources.
    • Cross-functional Collaboration: Act as a cross-functional leader, working closely with key stakeholders across the organization, including research, development, finance, and legal teams, to drive alliance activities and ensure seamless execution of strategic initiatives.
    • External Relationships: Develop and maintain a strong external network of industry leaders, potential partners, and stakeholders. Leverage this network to drive collaboration and secure opportunities that advance the company’s pipeline and business objectives.
    • Market and Industry Insight: Stay at the forefront of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies. Provide insights into new markets, products, and technologies that could support or enhance Circle’s strategy, and evaluate new opportunities both in and outside the oncology field.
    • Executive Presentations: Generate and deliver high-impact presentations to senior management, Circle’s board of directors, key decision-makers, and external partners to clearly communicate the strategic value of potential collaborations, licensing deals, and partnerships.

Qualifications:

    • 15+ years in business development, strategy, and alliance management within biopharma/biotech, with a proven track record in sourcing, negotiating and closing R&D collaborations, licensing agreements, and strategic alliances.  Experience should include guiding business development strategy, working across functional areas and integrating scientific, business and competitive intelligence market data to provide guidance to the senior leadership team on portfolio choices, company strategy and long-range planning.
    • Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.B.A., or similar) preferred, with the ability to leverage scientific and market insights to assess strategic fit.
    • Deep knowledge of the biopharma landscape across both large and small companies, with strong scientific and commercial acumen; oncology experience is a plus but not required.
    • Proven ability to work effectively with both senior executives and team members from cross-functional teams, with a strong executive presence and the ability to influence at senior levels.
    • Strong analytical skills to assess opportunities based on market trends, scientific viability, competitive dynamics, and financial impact.
    • Results-driven leader with a history of thriving in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments, both independently and within teams.
    • Well-established reputation and external network within the biopharma community, with the ability to influence and build strategic relationships.
    • Able to navigate and lead in a fast-paced, changing environment while maintaining focus on key priorities.
    • Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional, matrixed teams, driving alignment, and managing direct reports in a collaborative, high-achieving culture.
    • Strong commitment to championing and operating with Circle’s Core Values, contributing to a dynamic and cooperative environment where every voice is valued.
    • Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
$302,000 - $315,000 a year
The anticipated salary range for this Vice President role based in South San Francisco, CA, is between $302,000 and $315,000. The final compensation offered to a selected candidate will be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, industry expertise, education, and Circle’s internal equity. This compensation and benefits information is based on Circle’s good faith estimate as of the date of posting and may be modified in the future.
Circle Pharma recognizes that the success of our endeavors depends on the success of every team member. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, and vision care. We also provide a 401(k) plan with a generous company contribution, and all of our offers contain a stock option component. We provide company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Additionally, we provide many company-paid holidays, including a winter break at the close of the calendar year.
 
Circle Pharma is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.