Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director
The Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and securing access to external assets and technologies for acquisition or partnership. This role involves building and expanding relationships within the biopharma industry, investment community, and academia to position Exelixis as a preferred partner for research, development, and commercialization. The Senior Director will continuously monitor the oncology landscape for emerging therapeutic targets, clinical trial updates and market trends to identify opportunities closely aligned with Exelixis' scientific, clinical, commercial, and strategic priorities. The Senior Director will collaborate cross-functionally to lead due diligence, build a business case, obtain alignment with senior leadership and assist in transaction negotiations. Additional responsibilities include scaling regional capabilities and mentoring junior team members.
Essential Duties / Responsibilities :
- Scientific and Market Intelligence : Deep knowledge of Oncology related to current and emerging target landscapes, clinical trial readouts, evolving standards of care, transaction trends, and global market conditions (with a focus on Asia)
- Relationship Management : Build and maintain strong external relationships within the biotech / pharmaceutical ecosystem, academic institutions, and investors. Represent Exelixis at scientific and partnering conferences to facilitate the flow of inbound opportunities
- Strategy and Planning : Work closely with R&D and commercial leadership to develop and execute Exelixis' business development strategy
- Opportunity Sourcing : Proactively identify and assess external opportunities (assets, platforms, technologies) in Oncology, ensuring alignment with Exelixis' strategic and scientific priorities
- Due Diligence : Lead deep scientific, clinical, and commercial diligence, integrating input from cross-functional experts in R&D, Commercial, and Legal
- Presentation & Communication : Synthesize complex scientific information and provide summaries and recommendations for effective decision making. Ensure prompt and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
- Negotiation Support : Work closely with transaction leads and legal teams to develop deal structures and risk mitigation strategies. Support negotiations for licensing, acquisition, and collaboration agreements and ensure timely agreement execution
- Working in Teams : Maintaining a constructive attitude with internal colleagues and external contacts, while ensuring a focus on teamwork will be key to success
Supervisory Responsibilities :
No supervisory responsibilities.Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills :
Education :
BA / BS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 15 years of relevant experience; orMA / MS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 13 years of relevant experience; orPh.D. in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; orMD in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; orEquivalent combination of education and years of experience.Experience :
Minimum of 12 years combined experience in oncology (or related science) and in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industryPostdoctoral experience a plus, but not requiredMBA degree is a plus, but not requiredMinimum of 5 years in business development (deal sourcing, scientific assessment, co-leading term sheet and contract negotiations) or related field (e.g. commercial analysis) in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company or investment bank, venture capital or private equity settingEstablished experience in identifying and evaluating partnering opportunities for transactions that have successfully closedKnowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Deep understanding of all aspects of oncology drug development related to discovery, clinical development, regulatory process, IP, CMC, and commercializationAbility to analyze and synthesize complex scientific, clinical and commercial information to identify key strengths / weaknesses, portfolio fit, risk mitigation strategies and go / no go criteriaSkilled in crafting and presenting summaries with recommendations to ensure effective decision-makingExperience with co-leading term sheet negotiation / contracts for discovery or clinical-stage opportunitiesExceptional oral and written communication, organization, and project management skillsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, matrix environmentExcellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilitiesStrong interpersonal skills to build mutual trust and foster strong relationships internally and externallyAbility to influence without authority and lead effectivelySelf-motivated, requiring minimal supervisionRequires an ability to concurrently manage multiple complex projects with tight timelines, while maintaining continuous alignment with multiple stakeholders at different levels, across the organizationWork Environment / Physical Demands :
Our office is a modern, open-plan space that fosters collaborations and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.
This position requires 30% of travel time.