Global Head of Business Development

Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!

Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business

The Opportunity

The Global Head of Business Development will lead the company’s worldwide efforts to strategically advance the Dechra portfolio. They will identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities that expand our presence in the animal health market. This is delivered by focusing on scouting new opportunities, effective deal evaluation and execution. Additionally, they will ensure successful acquisitions through effective market modelling and analysis, portfolio management, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 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.

Role Responsibility

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied scope and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

Scouting & Market Intelligence

Develop and execute a global business development plan to grow the company’s position in companion animal and equine markets in alignment with global strategy.
Proactively identify new business opportunities, including licensing, partnerships, joint ventures, M&A, and collaborations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and technology companies.
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.
Develop strong relationships with external partners, key opinion leaders, and industry networks to gain early insights into opportunities.

Deal Evaluation & Execution

Lead the assessment of business opportunities, including strategic fit, partnering with finance and other key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial modelling, valuation, and risk analysis.
Coordinate due diligence efforts, engaging cross-functional teams (R&D, legal, finance, regulatory, commercial, human resources, manufacturing and technical functions) to assess potential deals.
Partner with finance to structure, negotiate, and execute agreements, ensuring alignment with global corporate strategy and financial goals.

Alliance Management & Integration

Ensure effective oversight of post-deal integration to ensure seamless transition and value realization.
The key relationship manager for strategic alliances, ensuring alignment of expectations, contract adherence, and issue resolution.
Work closely with internal teams to ensure successful operationalization of new business agreements.

Market Modelling and Portfolio Management

Collaborate with marketing and technical teams to prioritize portfolio investments based on strategic fit and growth potential, including enhancement of key category areas to drive highest sustainable value.
Support the development of long-term business strategies to drive global growth.
In partnership with finance, develop and maintain financial and commercial models. to evaluate business opportunities, forecast market potential, and assess return on investment, within agreed financial and other business modelling frameworks.

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.
Maximize outside in thinking by representing the company at industry conferences, partnering events, and business development forums.

The Ideal Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly excited to hear from those who have/are:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
Strong track record of successfully identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and executing business transactions.
Astute in financial modelling, valuation, and deal structuring.
Proven ability to manage alliances and post-merger integrations effectively.
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.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Deep understanding of the global animal health market including key therapeutic areas and regulatory frameworks and global commercial dynamics
Vast global experience in business development or commercial strategy within animal health, pharmaceuticals or life sciences,
Ability to travel as required.

About the Company

As a people first values-based culture, we provide free weekly wellness sessions focused on our employee's physical and mental wellbeing, and flexible work arrangements. We offer a generous employer 401k match and an other incentives for long-term financial wellness. Our full array of health, financial and voluntary benefit programs are what you would expect from a recognized Best Place to Work.

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