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 Strategic Partnerships & Scouting will support the company’s worldwide efforts to strategically advance the Dechra portfolio. They will identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities that expand our portfolio. This is delivered by focusing on scouting new opportunities that are a strategic priority, effective opportunity evaluation and due diligence.

This role will build and manage strategic partnerships that support the company’s long-term growth strategy and pipeline development.

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.

This is a remote role and can be based either in the US or UK

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 & Deal Sourcing

• Develop and execute a business development plan to grow the company’s position in companion animal and equine markets which is fully aligned with global strategy.
• Proactively identify new business opportunities, including licensing, partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and technology companies.  
• Develop strong relationships with external partners, key opinion leaders, and industry networks to gain early insights into potential opportunities.
• Represent the company at key industry conferences, innovation forums, and venture networks. Build relationships with innovation hubs within the animal health and broader life sciences sector. Maintain a strong external network that enhances the company’s access to innovation. 
• 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. 

Opportunity Evaluation 

• Working cross-functionally with R&D, commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, the role ensures that external opportunities are evaluated rigorously and translated into value-creating collaborations and licensing agreements.
• Lead the assessment of business opportunities, including strategic fit, partnering with Financial Evaluation & Modelling and other key internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial modelling, valuation, and risk analysis. 
• Partner with the wider GMTE team to negotiate, and execute agreements, ensuring alignment with global corporate strategy and financial goals.

Alliance Management & Integration

• Work closely with Alliance Management & Integration to ensure effective oversight of post-deal integration into seamless transition and value realization. 

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

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, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.

• Strong track record of successfully identifying and evaluating business transactions.

• 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
• Deep understanding of the global animal health market including key therapeutic areas and regulatory frameworks and global commercial dynamics
• Ability to travel as required.
• Vast global experience in business development or commercial strategy within animal health, pharmaceuticals or life sciences, 
• Experience in digital health, AI-driven business development, or innovative go-to-market models.
• Knowledge of key markets, including Europe, North America, LATAM, and Asia-Pacific.

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.