Director, Corporate Strategy

Galapagos is a global biotechnology company (Euronext & Nasdaq: GLPG) with operations in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through life-changing science and innovation. We are in a new chapter of our transformation, focused on disciplined capital stewardship and transformative business development to build a pipeline of innovative clinical programs. With a strong balance sheet, Galapagos is actively evaluating value-accretive opportunities to deliver meaningful impact for patients and stakeholders. 

We are looking for

Director, Corporate Strategy

Scope of the job

Galapagos is seeking a Director, Corporate Strategy to support the VP, Corporate Strategy in shaping enterprise and portfolio strategy and driving key strategic decision-making across the company.

This role is designed for a high-impact strategic leader who combines rigorous analysis with strong synthesis, executive communication, and sound judgment in a fast-moving biotech environment. The Director will play a central role in portfolio planning, evaluation of internal and external opportunities, and preparation of materials for senior leadership and the Board.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across Strategy, R&D, Finance, and Business Development, this role ensures that strategic priorities are clearly defined, well-informed, and effectively communicated.

Your role:

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development & Decision Support

• Support development of enterprise and portfolio strategy through structured analysis and synthesis of internal and external inputs

• Develop frameworks and insights to inform portfolio choices, growth priorities, and capital allocation decisions

• Prepare decision-ready materials and recommendations on key strategic topics

• Shape approaches to portfolio planning, including decision criteria and scenario development

External Landscape & Strategic Insights

• Identify and synthesize industry trends, competitive developments, and innovation themes

• Develop enterprise-level perspectives across therapeutic areas, modalities, and companies

• Engage with external experts and key opinion leaders to inform strategic assessments

• Lead deep-dive strategic projects assessing risks, opportunities, and strategic fit

Board & Executive Communication

• Develop Board-facing materials, strategic updates, and decision memos

• Translate complex strategic topics into clear, concise executive communication

• Partner with senior leadership and Investor Relations to communicate strategic direction

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner across Strategy, Commercial Assessment, Search & Evaluation, Finance, R&D, and other functions

• Ensure cross-functional insights are integrated into strategic recommendations

Strategic Integration & Special Projects

• Support integration of acquired or partnered assets and capabilities

• Provide analyses and recommendations for integration planning and synergy capture

• Contribute to high-priority strategic initiatives as business needs evolve

Who are you ?

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in biopharma corporate strategy, portfolio strategy, corporate development, consulting, or related field

• Strong understanding of scientific, commercial, strategic, and financial drivers in biotech

• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, PhD, MD, or equivalent)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to structure complex problems

• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations and Board materials

• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution

• High level of ownership, collaboration, and stakeholder management

• Comfortable operating in a high-visibility, dynamic environment

What’s in it for you ?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

Base compensation for this position ranges from $180,000 to $250,000. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Galapagos’ performance bonus plan. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!