Assistant General Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law

Bristol Myers Squibb • Madison, MA

3d

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law, provides enterprise-level legal leadership and people management in support of Bristol Myers Squibb’s business development strategy. The role operates at the portfolio level, setting deal strategy, negotiation precedent, and risk tolerance across the transaction pipeline while leading and developing a team of experienced attorneys.

The Assistant General Counsel leads legal support for the full lifecycle of licensing, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and equity investments—from deal intake and diligence through negotiation, execution, and handoff to Alliance Management. The role is accountable for the standards, precedent, and risk posture applied across the portfolio and partners closely with senior business development and corporate development leaders, Law leadership, specialist legal functions, cross-functional stakeholders, and external counsel. It 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.
• Strong working knowledge of the biopharmaceutical/life sciences industry, including deal structures, development and commercialization models, and the regulatory environment.
• 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; ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in cross-functional, matrixed organizations.
• High integrity and commitment to BMS values.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute 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, and 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, mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, and divestitures.
• Own the legal due diligence model for complex business development transactions, setting diligence scope expectations and escalation standards and coordinating with IP, litigation, antitrust, regulatory, tax, and other specialist teams.
• Select and manage external counsel, including scoping engagements, negotiating fees, and managing legal spend for the BD transaction portfolio.
• Own the transaction legal support model, including deal intake, staffing, diligence escalation, negotiation standards, and portfolio execution discipline.
• Lead and develop a team of BD Transactions attorneys, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive performance management and talent development to strengthen capability and engagement.
• Hold accountability for enterprise-level legal exposure arising from the transaction portfolio, including escalation and resolution strategy for material disputes.
• Set the organizational capability agenda for BD Transactions, including templates, playbooks, escalation protocols, training, and continuous improvement.
• 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

• Comprehensive benefit plans, including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance offerings.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for eligible U.S.-based exempt employees, subject to manager approval.
• 11 paid company holidays each year.
• For specified non-exempt, RayzeBio, and Puerto Rico employees: 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires, subject to manager approval, 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
• Depending on eligibility, paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs.
• Eligible employees may have an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree