Senior Director, Alliance Management

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc.; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 242,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Wellness stipend

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Equity grants

Job summary

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. seeks a Senior Director, Alliance Manager to lead strategic partnerships, align alliance goals with company objectives, and maximize collaboration value.

You will be the primary partner liaison, drive governance, and manage contract negotiations with cross‑functional teams. Role is hub-based in Waltham, MA (onsite 3–4 days/wk) or remote with periodic hub visits; requires 12+ years in biotech/pharma with 5+ years alliance management and fluency in English and Mandarin.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in biotech/pharma with 5+ years alliance management experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in contract management and complex agreements.
• Ability to lead a high-performing alliance management team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and strengthen Kailera's strategic alliance with Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as primary relationship lead.
• Serve as the main contact for partners, ensuring alignment and issue resolution.
• Liaise with internal SMEs and partner stakeholders to identify gaps and resolve issues.
• Co-lead governance meetings with alliance partner for effective execution.
• Oversee development, execution, and ongoing compliance of partnership agreements.
• Provide updates to internal stakeholders on partnership progress and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Business Development to maximize alliance value.

Skills

Alliance management

Cross-functional leadership

Contract management

Project management

Multicultural collaboration

English fluency

Mandarin fluency

Education

Bachelor's in business or life sciences

Job description

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera's mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You'll Do:

The Senior Director, Alliance Manager is responsible for building, managing, and nurturing strategic partnerships and alliances with external stakeholders. This role focuses on driving collaboration, maximizing the value of partnerships, and ensuring alignment between alliance goals and organizational objectives. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship manager with experience in collaborating with multi-cultural partners, fostering trust, and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week) OR Remote (home-based, onsite at a hub 1 week every other month).

Responsibilities:

• Manage and strengthen Kailera's strategic alliance with Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, serving as the primary relationship lead and ensuring achievement of shared partnership objectives
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, ensuring ongoing communication, alignment of goals, and addressing any issues that arise
• Liaise with internal key subject matter experts and stakeholders across functions and within partner's organization to identify and resolve issues and gaps
• Co-lead with alliance partner to drive efficient and effective governance meetings
• Work with relevant functions to manage the development, execution, and ongoing compliance of partnership agreements, including contract negotiations and terms
• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on the progress and outcomes of partnerships, ensuring transparency and alignment on both sides
• Collaborate with colleagues in Business Development to support new initiatives to maximize the value of alliance

Required Qualifications:

• At least 12 years' experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry with 5+ years' experience in alliance management, with a track record of having successfully managed partnerships
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated creativity, flexibility and problem-solving ability, solid knowledge base regarding business development and alliance management practices
• Strong ability to manage cross-functional and multi-cultural teams and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in contract management and navigating complex legal agreements
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Lead, and develop a high-performing Alliance Management team, providing coaching, mentorship, and strategic direction
• Professional fluency in English and Mandarin (written and verbal) is required to effectively collaborate with Mandarin-speaking external partners and to review, interpret, and communicate information contained in Mandarin-language documents and communications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, life sciences or related field (advanced degree preferred)

Salary Range

$242,000 - $290,000 USD

For Full Time Roles:

This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants - because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.