Executive Director, Head of Alliance Management
Location San Rafael, California Workstyle Hybrid ApplyWho We Are
BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health.
Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a number of treatment modalities.
Using our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need. We enlist the best of the best – people with the right technical expertise and a relentless drive to solve real problems – and create an environment that empowers our teams to pursue bold, innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we’ve produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that have well-understood biology and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing therapeutic options.
Position Overview
BioMarin is seeking a seasoned and strategic Executive Director, Head of Alliance Management to lead our most critical external partnerships – including strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and post M&A integrations. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer, this executive will oversee alliance strategy and execution across BioMarin’s global portfolio, ensuring our collaborations deliver on both scientific and business objectives, and be a member of the BioMarin Partnering Leadership Team.
This is a highly visible role, both internally and externally. The successful candidate will partner cross-functionally with senior leaders across Research, Development, Finance, Legal/IP, and Commercial—and serve as the primary representative of alliance management in board-facing settings. They will also lead a growing team of Alliance Managers and will join a world-class Business Development team known for its strategic rigor, scientific sophistication, and a proven ability to lead and operationalize complex growth initiatives.
This role is ideal for an experienced alliance professional or a senior business development leader with demonstrated success managing complex partnerships in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry. Experience with M&A integration, joint governance models, and navigating global, cross-functional teams will be highly valued.
Key Responsibilities
Alliance Leadership & Strategy
- Lead BioMarin’s alliance management function, ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and long-term value realization from each partnership
- Serve as the primary relationship lead with senior counterparts at partner organizations; build trust and foster shared commitment to collaboration outcomes
- Act as BioMarin’s representative on joint steering committees and other formal governance forums; ensure timely, strategic decision-making
- Drive the design and implementation of governance structures, escalation paths, and issue resolution processes across active collaborations
Organizational Influence & Stakeholder Management
- Engage with the BioMarin executive team and board members to provide updates on key partnerships and integration efforts
- Serve as a thought partner to senior functional leaders (e.g., Clinical, Regulatory, Research, Commercial) to ensure collaborative execution aligns with both partner and BioMarin goals
- Shape how BioMarin is perceived by current and future strategic partners through thoughtful, values-driven relationship management
Post-Deal Integration & Project Oversight
- Oversee the seamless operational integration of new partnerships and licensing arrangements; support due diligence, integration planning, and execution
- Guide internal and external teams to deliver against contractual milestones and ensure adherence to key performance indicators and alliance objectives
- Identify collaboration risks and proactively drive solutions that benefit both parties
Team Leadership & Process Development
- Lead and mentor a team of Alliance Managers, coaching on best practices in collaboration management and conflict resolution
- Develop scalable tools, dashboards, and processes to optimize alliance tracking, communications, and reporting
- Establish internal standards for alliance health checks, governance planning, and partner engagement
Contractual & Negotiation Responsibilities
- Lead negotiations with existing partners around collaboration amendments, milestone re-alignments, and evolving partnership terms
- Provide insight into the execution terms of new contracts under negotiation in partnership with Corporate Development and Legal
Qualifications
Required:
- 12–15+ years of experience in biotech/pharma with a significant focus in alliance management, business development, or post-deal integration
- Demonstrated leadership of high-value strategic alliances and ability to manage board-facing communications
- Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional partnerships and navigate global regulatory, scientific, and commercial environments
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, executive presence, and verbal/written communication skills
- Deep understanding of drug development, life-cycle management, and therapeutic commercialization (rare disease experience preferred)
- Track record of successfully coaching and mentoring teams, building infrastructure, and scaling operations
Preferred:
- Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent)
- Experience with M&A diligence, integration planning, and operational execution
- Deal sheet or portfolio of major collaborations managed
Why Join BioMarin
At BioMarin, we are driven by science and united by compassion. Our Business Development team, led by James Sabry, operates at the highest levels of strategic rigor and scientific acumen. As Head of Alliance Management, you’ll be part of an extraordinary team responsible for advancing transformative therapies through world-class partnerships—while shaping the future of global rare disease innovation.
Position requires 2 days per week onsite in San Rafael, CA.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
For additional benefits information, visit: https://careers.biomarin.com/benefits.
- Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.