Associate Director, Strategy & Corporate Development

Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company advancing the discovery and development of cell-permeable oral macrocycles. Our platform combines structure-based drug design and advanced synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for severe unmet clinical needs. We are focusing our development efforts on cyclins, which are master regulators of the machinery that controls progression of cells through the cell cycle and are key drivers in many cancers.

We seek passionate individuals poised to drive our growth and make a difference. Learn more about Circle Pharma at www.circlepharma.com

Circle is seeking an Associate Director, Strategy & Corporate Development to help drive key business development and corporate growth initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, this role will support partnering and M&A activities – both buy-side and sell-side transactions – as well as oversee key strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in science, strategy, transactions, financial modeling, market analysis, and project management. This role is ideal for a driven yet humble, versatile and results-oriented professional eager to make an impact within a mission-driven biotech.

• Business Development: Lead and support various stages of the transaction process, including sourcing, opportunity assessment, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, negotiations, governance processes, and integration planning. Develop strong business cases to guide strategic transactions.
• Strategic Planning & Insights: Provide business insights to inform decision-making on product strategy, portfolio planning, platform technology investments, partnering, M&A, and financing strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive market research and competitive intelligence on lead clinical-stage program. Identify innovative partnering strategies and deal structures.
• Financial Modeling, Valuation, and Market Analysis: Use financial modeling and valuation techniques to present data-driven options and scenarios to the executive team. Stay updated on emerging industry trends and competitive dynamics and assess their potential impact on Circle’s strategy.
• Cross-Functional Project Management: Coordinate and drive corporate initiatives – from marketing and communications to corporate affairs to investor relations. Ensure timely execution and delivery of multi-phase, cross-functional projects. Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, bankers, investors, and business development counterparts.
• Business Operations: Help establish and manage internal corporate development operations, including running point on SaaS subscriptions, analytical tools, systems and processes to facilitate efficient execution of business development, financing, and corporate affairs.

• Masters degree in business, biotechnology, and/or related scientific fields with 6 years of applicable life science experience in business development, venture capital, investment banking and/or management consulting. PhD degree a plus.
• Strong understanding of drug development, commercialization, and the broader biopharma landscape. Ability to work with varied scientific concepts and therapeutic areas and maintain a learning mindset. Deep knowledge of the emerging breast and lung cancer therapeutic landscape a plus.
• Experience supporting or leading various aspects of complex transaction processes.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and valuation techniques. Experience developing business cases and presenting complex data to senior leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization. Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects with competing priorities. Ability to deliver high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines.
• Solutions-oriented, self-driven, and able to think critically and strategically in a rapidly evolving environment. Passionate about contributing to company growth and mission.
• Comfortable working resourcefully in a small, startup environment. Energized by working in a diversity of roles and getting exposure to a wide range of the company’s strategy and operations.
• Enjoyment in operating in an exceptionally dynamic, high-achieving and collaborative environment where every voice matters.
• Demonstrated willingness to lead, champion, and operate with Circle’s Core Values.

This position is based in Circle’s South San Francisco office and requires on-site presence at least 3 days per week. Up to 25% business travel may be required for industry events, meetings, and transactions.

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.

Salary : $180,000 - $225,000