Director, BD Early Stage

CSL

2d•$231,000 - $299,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, BD Early Stage leads the assessment of early-stage external innovation opportunities from Due Diligence Stage 2 to negotiation of a Non-Binding Offer (NBO). The role integrates evolving scientific advances, therapeutic trends and market dynamics to guide CSL's long-range BD investment decisions in early-stage opportunities. It provides deep subject-matter leadership and enterprise-level judgement to ensure potential partnerships and acquisitions advance CSL’s portfolio impact, scientific differentiation and competitive positioning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Physiology or a related discipline (required)
5-10+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech with substantive exposure to Search & Evaluation, early‑stage BD, R&D strategy or new product planning
Proven ability to assess scientific/commercial potential and influence governance decisions
Demonstrated success evaluating external opportunities, leading negotiations and influencing cross-functional and senior-level decisions
Experience partnering across R&D, Commercial, Finance, Regulatory, and Transactions in a global matrix
Proven ability supporting investment cases and contribute meaningfully to diligence and strategic evaluations
Strong scientific literacy across modalities and early development (discovery/preclinical through Phase I)
High analytical capability (competitive analysis, landscape mapping, scenario modelling, early valuation logic)
Relationship‑building and external engagement
Executive‑level communication and storytelling; concise, decision‑oriented materials for governance
Cross‑functional influence and collaboration within a complex global, matrix environment
Comfort with ambiguity and fast decision cycles in early‑stage deal environments

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree such as PhD, MD, PharmD, MSc, MBA, or equivalent scientific/commercial qualification (strongly preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead evaluation of early-stage external assets, technologies, platforms and modalities aligned to TA Strategy from Due Diligence Stage 2 through Governance to negotiation of NBO.
Integrate scientific, clinical, mechanistic, regulatory and commercial evidence into holistic assessments of attractiveness, differentiation and enterprise and TA strategic fit.
Deliver investment-quality inputs such as valuation assumptions, scenario modelling, unmet need assessments, deal analogues and downstream implications (e.g., biomarker requirements, specialized development pathways, manufacturing needs).
Translate complex scientific and clinical narratives into clear, concise and decision-ready recommendations for CSL senior leaders.
Provide recommendations on progressing, deferring or declining opportunities based on enterprise priorities and the TA Strategy.
Apply CSL’s evaluation standards and prioritization frameworks to ensure rigor, consistency and balanced risk-benefit assessment.
Develop and maintain key external partnerships with potential partners in close collaboration with R&D Search.
Partner with BD Transactions to shape valuation logic, risk scenarios, deal structures and diligence readiness for advanced opportunities.
Engage with global cross-functional partners including Commercial, Medical, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Technical Operations, Strategy, Finance to inform integrated and robust evaluation outputs.
Prepare high-quality evaluation summaries, strategic assessments and decision papers for enterprise governance (e.g. PRISM, REDC) and other senior bodies as needed (e.g. PDCa, IDC).
Ensure evaluation outputs reflect analytical depth, strategic clarity, scientific credibility and integrated cross-functional perspectives.
Support enterprise capital allocation and portfolio shaping discussions with clear strategic logic and evidence-driven recommendations.
Strengthen organizational capability in scientific evaluation, market analysis, disease modelling and structured diligence within the BD function.