About this role

Job Openings

Director, Strategic Initiatives

Executive - Daejeon, Korea (Hybrid)

The Role

We are looking for someone who can step in as a direct extension of the CEO — independently owning and executing the external strategic work that keeps Orum visible, connected, and positioned for its next phase of growth. This is not a support role. This is a build role.

Key Responsibilities

✓Partner with the CEO to define, scope, and execute high-priority strategic initiatives then run them independently
✓Translate strategic direction into actionable plans with clear milestones, owners, and measurable outcomes
✓Build new organizational capabilities where no existing function currently owns them
✓Serve as the day-to-day owner so the CEO is informed
✓Develop and manage strategic relationships across Korean and global biotech — government, industry associations, KOLs, early stage VCs, and pharma partners
✓Represent Orum at industry/investor conferences, Korea biotech forums, and global partnering meetings
✓Strengthen Orum's visibility and positioning within the Korean and global biotech community
✓Leverage your existing network to open doors and create opportunities Orum doesn't yet have access to
✓Establish a sustainable Korea market intelligence process covering scientific, clinical, commercial, and market dynamics to support opportunistic new strategic initiatives
✓Deliver concise, executive-level market intelligence outputs that feed directly into strategic planning positioning
✓Build repeatable tools and processes so the capability outlasts the build phase

Required Qualifications

✓PhD or equivalent in life sciences; hands-on drug development experience (IND, clinical, or preclinical) strongly preferred
✓Demonstrated track record of building ecosystems, partnerships, or capabilities from scratch — not just maintaining existing operations
✓Deep network in Korean biotech, academia, and/or global VC/pharma BD circles
✓Comfortable operating as an individual contributor in an ambiguous, resource-constrained environment — no team, no institutional brand behind you
✓Proven ability to translate scientific and strategic concepts for diverse stakeholders: investors, pharma partners, government, academia
✓Strong project management discipline — can own complex initiatives end-to-end without close supervision
✓Bilingual Korean/English required; China connectivity a plus
✓Seoul or Daejeon-based; hybrid model; business travel as needed — no restrictions for genuine business needs

What We're Looking For

✓A builder — energized by creating something from zero; loses interest when things are on autopilot, and that's exactly what this role needs
✓Strategic — connects external signals to internal priorities; sees around corners and brings the CEO the right information at the right time
✓Networked — has existing relationships across K-biotech, global pharma, and VC that can be activated on day one
✓Independent — takes ownership of initiatives and drives them to completion without close supervision; comfortable with ambiguity and a flat structure
✓A communicator — bilingual, cross-cultural, and able to represent Orum credibly to investors, government, academia, and industry partners alike

Unable to work with third-party candidates or agencies. Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation.

Orum Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

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Link to This Job

Location

Daejeon, Korea (Hybrid)

Department

Executive

Employment Type

Full Time KR

Minimum Experience

Senior Manager/Supervisor

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