NBD & Licensing Director

This is a new role, created as part of the establishment of Haleon's Advanced Research Group (ART). This role leads all deal activity within ART that enable and protect Haleon's breakthrough innovation pipeline.

The NBD & Licensing Director leads formal deal activity for the ART, shaping and executing the partnerships that enable access to external science, technology and manufacturing capabilities. This role owns the structuring, negotiation and delivery of licensing agreements, commercial partnerships and selected strategic equity transactions that support Haleon’s breakthrough innovation pipeline.

This role has a matrix reporting line to the Chief Science Officer – Head of Advanced Research Group and, Corporate Development Licensing with close alignment to Finance M&A, this is a player-coach role combining hands-on deal leadership with leadership of a team of deal execution specialists.

Role Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end deal execution across licensing, co-development, academic collaboration, commercial partnerships and selected strategic equity opportunities.

Shape partnership strategies and recommend the most effective deal model for each opportunity based on scientific maturity, commercial potential, intellectual property position and strategic fit.

Coordinate cross-functional due diligence with Legal, IP, Finance M&A, Category R&D and commercial teams to build robust business cases and secure timely approvals.

Negotiate and close agreements that protect Haleon’s intellectual property, data rights and commercial interests while delivering strong long-term value.

Present recommendations and investment cases to senior governance forums, including Innovation Board and executive stakeholders, with clarity and credibility.

Lead and develop a high-performing team while also contributing directly to priority transactions.

Qualifications & Experience

Demonstratable experience structuring and negotiating complex partnerships in consumer health, life sciences or a closely related sector.

Commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to assess risk, build compelling business cases and navigate complex governance processes.

Sound understanding of intellectual property, licensing and deal terms, with the judgement to protect business value while enabling innovation at pace.

Track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams through complex, high-value decisions.

Confident communicator and negotiator, able to build credibility internally and externally with startups, universities and industry partners.

A collaborative people leader who can coach a small expert team while remaining hands-on in a fast-moving, deal-driven environment.

Senior experience in business development, licensing, M&A or strategic partnerships in consumer health, pharma, biotech or CPG (Preferred), with a demonstratable track record of closing complex deals.

Qualification & Education

Minimum Education

Degree in law, business, finance, or life sciences

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