Manager, External Innovations

Cpl Healthcare; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company seeks a Manager of External Innovations to join its UK research hub. This role involves connecting cutting-edge research with internal R&D teams, managing collaborations, and shaping innovation strategies. Ideal candidates will have a strong scientific background and experience in academic-industry partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in biological sciences.
• Solid understanding of drug discovery process, especially in neurological diseases.
• Experience in managing academic–industry collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage research collaborations with external partners.
• Identify emerging science and novel technologies.
• Support strategic planning and contract discussions.

Skills

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Job description

Job Title:Manager, External Innovations

Location:Hertfordshire, UK

Position Type:Permanent, Full-Time, hybrid - Hertfordshire

A leading pharmaceutical company is looking for a highly motivatedManager, External Innovationto join its UK research hub. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong scientific background and a passion for partnerships to help shape the future of drug discovery through external collaborations. Focused on building meaningful partnerships with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and venture partners across the UK and Europe.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of science and strategy—connecting cutting-edge research from universities, biotechs, and startups with internal R&D teams. You’ll help identify promising new technologies, manage ongoing collaborations, and develop new ways of working with the external innovation ecosystem across the UK and Europe.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building and managing research collaborations with external partners
• Identifying emerging science and novel technologies that align with therapeutic priorities
• Evaluating early-stage opportunities for partnership, licensing, or co-development
• Supporting strategic planning and contract discussions
• Helping shape innovation strategy and contribute to wider R&D goals
• Representing the company in external meetings, events, and innovation networks

About You:

You are a strategic thinker with a strong foundation in science, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for advancing drug discovery through external collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences.
• Solid understanding of the drug discovery process, with a focus on neurological disease areas.
• Experience in managing or supporting academic–industry collaborations.

Preferred Experience and Attributes:

• Familiarity with translational research, new therapeutic modalities, and emerging technologies.
• A proactive, adaptable, and entrepreneurial approach.
• Experience contributing to contractual negotiations and budget planning.
• Strong scientific communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.