Assistant General Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law

Bristol Myers Squibb • Princeton, NJ

1d

About The Position

The Senior Corporate Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law, provides enterprise-level legal leadership and people management in support of Bristol Myers Squibb’s business development strategy. This role leads a team that supports the full lifecycle of licensing, collaboration, acquisition, divestiture, equity investment, and alliance-related transactions, and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across BMS.

Requirements

• J.D. degree and admission to a state bar.
• Minimum 15 years of legal experience, including leading, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements in the biopharmaceutical/life sciences industry.
• Track record of leading large, complex, high-risk transactions and advising senior executives.
• Leadership experience managing senior attorneys and/or managers in a matrixed environment.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Exceptional judgment and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills; able to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in cross-functional, matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the legal strategy for BD Transactions, aligned with enterprise priorities, portfolio strategy, and risk tolerance.
• Serve as a senior advisor to Business Development on complex and novel transaction structures.
• Anticipate deal trends, regulatory developments, and industry dynamics; proactively position the organization to address legal and business risk.
• Oversee the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of high-value, high-complexity business development transactions, including licensing, collaborations, M&A, equity investments, and divestitures.
• Lead legal due diligence for complex business development transactions, coordinating across IP, litigation, antitrust, regulatory, tax, and other specialist teams.
• Lead and develop a team of BD Transactions attorneys, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive performance management and talent development to strengthen capability and engagement.
• Apply strong business acumen and sound judgment to navigate complex, matrixed organizational structures.
• Deliver practical, service-oriented legal advice aligned with Bristol Myers Squibb’s mission and values.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays Based on eligibility, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
• Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees