Director, Strategic Partnerships & Scouting

The Director, Strategic Partnerships & Scouting will support the company’s worldwide efforts to strategically advance the Dechra portfolio. They will identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities that expand our portfolio. This is delivered by focusing on scouting new opportunities that are a strategic priority, effective opportunity evaluation and due diligence.

The Director will build and manage strategic partnerships that support the company’s long-term growth strategy and pipeline development.

The position plays a critical role in expanding the company’s portfolio and ensuring sustained growth. The role requires deep expertise in the animal health industry, including companion animal, equine, and emerging technology segments, as well as the ability to navigate global markets and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

Scouting & Deal Sourcing

• Develop and execute a business development plan to grow the company’s position in companion animal and equine markets which is fully aligned with global strategy.
• Proactively identify new business opportunities, including licensing, partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and technology companies.
• Develop strong relationships with external partners, key opinion leaders, and industry networks to gain early insights into potential opportunities.
• Represent the company at key industry conferences, innovation forums, and venture networks. Build relationships with innovation hubs within the animal health and broader life sciences sector. Maintain a strong external network that enhances the company’s access to innovation.
• Pursue an active learning and networking approach to maintain a deep understanding of market trends, competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and unmet needs within key category areas.

Opportunity Evaluation

• Working cross-functionally with R&D, commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, the role ensures that external opportunities are evaluated rigorously and translated into value-creating collaborations and licensing agreements.
• Lead the assessment of business opportunities, including strategic fit, partnering with Financial Evaluation & Modelling and other key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial modelling, valuation, and risk analysis.
• Partner with the wider team to negotiate, and execute agreements, ensuring alignment with global corporate strategy and financial goals.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships to ensure enterprise thinking, by facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, including PDRA, commercial, finance, and senior leadership, to align business development initiatives with corporate priorities.
• Maximise outside in thinking by representing the company at industry conferences, partnering events, and business development forums.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• Strong track record of successfully identifying and evaluating business transactions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Strong background in product lifecycle management and go-to-market strategy.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and working in a global/matrix environment.