Vice President, Alliance Management & Business Development

ABOUT LAKEFRONT BIOTHERAPEUTICS

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is a global biotech with offices in Belgium, Chicago and San Francisco, focused on building a differentiated immunology and inflammation pipeline to address serious diseases with high unmet medical need. Our pipeline is anchored by T‑cell engager programs, led by a potential first‑in‑class clinical asset and complemented by an exciting preclinical portfolio in autoimmune disease.

Our lead asset is being developed for severe immune‑mediated diseases, while additional preclinical programs expand the long‑term potential of our R&D pipeline. At Lakefront, we focus on advancing programs with strong biological rationale, clear clinical proof of concept and large commercial opportunities.

Are you ready to transform lives and be part of a journey like no other? We are building a company where science, execution, and accountability matter. Rather than layers of hierarchy, we operate with small, empowered teams that work hands‑on across development stages to move programs forward efficiently and thoughtfully.

We are looking for people who want to contribute directly, who are motivated by solving real problems, collaborating across disciplines, and taking ownership from idea to impact. At Lakefront, every role plays a part in shaping the future of medicines that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients.

If you are driven to improve the lives of patients, energized by execution, and excited to help build a growing company with a strong balance sheet, we look forward to meeting you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Vice President, Alliance Management & Business Development to lead one of the company's most critical external partnerships while driving the evaluation and execution of new business development opportunities. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer and working closely with the executive leadership team, this individual will serve as the senior relationship owner for a high-profile global collaboration with a major pharmaceutical partner and play a key role in shaping the company's long-term growth strategy. 

The successful candidate will bring deep experience managing complex biotech-pharma alliances, exceptional executive-level relationship management skills, and a proven track record in evaluating, negotiating, and executing licensing and strategic transactions. 

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a unique combination of strategic thinking, scientific understanding, operational excellence, and business judgment. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Strategic Alliance Leadership 

• Serve as the executive lead for the company's strategic partnership with a major global pharmaceutical company in addition to other strategic relationships.
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders across both organizations.
• Drive governance activities, including Joint Development Committees and other alliance governance forums.
• Ensure alignment on strategic objectives, development priorities, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve partnership challenges while preserving strong long-term relationships.
• Monitor alliance performance and proactively identify opportunities to maximize value creation for both parties.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Commercial, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure successful execution of partnership obligations. 

Business Development & Licensing

• In collaboration with our VP of Search & Evaluation, lead the clinical assessment of external innovation opportunities that complement and expand the company's pipeline and strategic priorities. 
• Develop business cases and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Lead cross-functional diligence teams and coordinate external advisors as needed.
• In collaboration with our VP of Transactions, support negotiation and execution of term sheets, licensing agreements, collaboration agreements, and related transactions. 

Corporate Strategy & Leadership 

• Build and maintain a robust external network across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, venture capital, academic, and industry communities.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, partnering meetings, and investor-facing events.
• Mentor and develop alliance management and business development team members as the organization grows. 

WHAT YOU BRING

• Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or related field; MBA or other business training preferred.
• 15+ years of biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Significant experience leading strategic alliances between biotechnology and multi-national pharmaceutical companies.
• Demonstrated success managing executive-level partner relationships and governance structures.
• Proven track record evaluating and executing licensing, collaboration, or M&A transactions.
• Strong understanding of drug development across research, clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercialization.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. 

Leadership Characteristics 

• A strategic thinker who can connect partnership execution to long-term corporate value creation.
• An exceptional relationship builder who earns trust across organizations and functions.
• A decisive business leader capable of balancing scientific rigor with commercial judgment.
• Highly collaborative, intellectually curious, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and skilled at driving alignment among diverse stakeholders with a problem-solving mindset. 

At Lakefront Biotherapeutics, we are committed to attracting individuals who bring strong expertise, integrity, and a collaborative mindset. We value people who take ownership, work effectively across teams, and want to contribute to meaningful progress.

You will join a highly motivated and supportive team working together to advance our pipeline and strengthen how we operate. As we continue to build and grow, we offer an environment where individuals can develop, take on responsibility, and make a tangible impact.

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.