Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law

Bristol Myers Squibb•Princeton, NJ

3d•$202,050 - $269,314

About The Position

Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible. Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us. Position Summary: The Counsel, Business Development Transactions Legal position provides legal counsel, guidance, and transactional support to Bristol Myers Squibb’s business development organization. This role is suited for a transactional attorney capable of drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements, identifying and escalating significant legal and business issues, and delivering pragmatic, service-oriented legal counsel aligned with BMS’s values. The primary focus of this position is to provide legal counsel to Alliance Management for completed business development agreements—including licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership arrangements. Responsibilities include post-execution contract support; advising on rights and obligations, governance, and compliance; and supporting dispute-related matters throughout the lifecycle of BMS alliances. Additionally, this role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, amendments and other complex agreements.

Requirements

J.D. degree and admission to a state bar.
At least 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on business development, licensing, collaboration, and/or corporate transactions.
Solid understanding of the bio-pharmaceutical/life sciences industry
Strong contract interpretation, analytical, and drafting skills.
Sound judgment and ability to identify when escalation is required.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner effectively with Alliance Managers.
High integrity and commitment to BMS values.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Alliance Management or post-execution contract management preferred.
Ability to manage multiple alliance matters in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, amendments, consents, waivers, and termination notices to support BMS’ business development organization.
Provide legal counsel to business development on agreement management, including interpretation of rights and obligations under existing agreements and advising on governance, decision-making, compliance, and operational execution.
Support the transition of newly executed transactions to Alliance Management, including knowledge transfer, contract summaries, and governance setup
Support the identification, escalation, and resolution of disputes and related disagreements in existing agreements, including pre-litigation counseling.
Develop and deliver training programs, playbooks, and practical guidance for Alliance Management and cross‑functional partnering teams to strengthen organizational capabilities and promote consistent, effective partnership management practices.
Oversee and manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring the provision of high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective legal support aligned with business needs.
Monitor developments in contract law, relevant regulations, and industry best practices, and help ensure that alliance activities remain compliant with applicable legal and policy requirements.

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.

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