Director, Alliance Management

Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company advancing the discovery and development of cell-permeable oral macrocycles. Our MXMO™ platform combines structure-based drug design and advanced synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for severe unmet clinical needs. Our first pipeline programs target cyclins, which are master regulators of the machinery that controls progression of cells through the cell cycle and are key drivers in many cancers.  Our lead program, a Cyclin A/B RxL inhibitor, is currently in Phase 1 clinical testing.  We are building a pipeline of other oral macrocycle therapeutics for oncology, including other cyclin inhibitors.

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

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Alliance Management to lead and nurture external collaborations. This role will focus on building strong, trust-based relationships, establishing and managing governance structures, and ensuring clear, consistent communication with partner organizations.

Reporting to the Vice President of Business Development and Alliance Management, the ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, scientific fluency, and operational rigor to drive successful collaboration execution. This is a hands-on role that requires a deep sense of ownership over deliverables, including all materials presented to partners — ensuring content accuracy, consistency, and readiness to represent the organization with confidence and credibility.

This role combines strategic thinking with practical execution, offering the opportunity to make a visible impact while working closely across teams and partnerships. This position is based at our South San Francisco headquarters and requires on-site presence at least three days per week.

• Serve as the main point of contact for alliance partners, managing day-to-day collaboration and senior-level interactions.
• Establish, oversee, and manage joint governance activities; ensure successful collaboration, initiation, and execution of the alliance.
• Track project goals and collaboration milestones. Ensure alignment across internal and external teams.
• Own all partner-facing communications and materials -- including those prepared by Research, Finance, or Legal -- ensuring they’re complete, clear, and ready to present.
• Collaborate with functional leads to develop and maintain joint project plans, track progress, and flag risks early.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to contractual obligations, including data sharing, decision rights, timelines, and resource commitments.
• Manage budgets related to collaborations and coordinate closely with the Finance team.
• Support internal execution teams with project management, particularly where work intersects with external partners.
• Summarize complex topics and present regular program updates to internal leadership; surface issues proactively with clear paths forward.
• Identify and implement operational improvements in alliance and program management.
• Support additional partnerships or early internal research efforts as needed.

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., M.S., Ph.D.) preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in biotech/pharma, including direct alliance or program management experience
• Good working knowledge of various functional groups including science, pharmacology/safety, CMC, clinical, and regulatory.
• Attention to detail and ability to work simultaneously on multiple programs.
• Confident communicator and collaborator across disciplines and seniority levels.
• Proactive, structured, and solutions-oriented; anticipates potential issues and responds with calm, thoughtful action.
• Scientifically curious and confident engaging in technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a strong ability to apply business acumen in decision-making and project oversight.
• Strong Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills, with experience preparing materials for executives.
• Ability to interpret and track contractual terms in collaboration agreements.
• Comfortable working resourcefully in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
• Familiarity with project planning tools, including timelines and Gantt charts.
• Experience managing successful alliances with large pharma companies, including running a Joint Steering Committee and/or Joint Research Committee, and understanding of large pharma workflows and processes.
• 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.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 15%.

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.