Executive Director, Global Intellectual Property Policy

Bristol-Myers Squibb • Princeton, NJ

103d • $312,720 - $378,937 • Hybrid

About The Position

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) seeks an Executive Director, Global Intellectual Property Policy—a strategic leader to drive the company's global IP policy initiatives, represent BMS externally in the IP community, and provide high-level guidance on emerging legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting BMS's innovative portfolio worldwide. Reporting directly to the SVP, Innovation Law, this executive will design and execute IP advocacy strategies in partnership with the Government Affairs Team to advance BMS's mission of delivering transformative medicines to patients.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in life sciences or law (JD or equivalent), with strong preference for experience in both.
• Minimum 12 years' relevant experience in global IP law, policy, or government affairs, with a focus on pharmaceutical innovation.
• Demonstrated record of leadership in IP policy, advocacy, or specialized legal practice within a multinational pharmaceutical/biotech company or major industry association.
• In-depth understanding of global IP legal frameworks, including patent, regulatory data protection, exclusivity regimes, and international agreements (e.g., TRIPS, WIPO, EU directives).
• Expertise in the U.S., EU, and key ex-U.S. policy environments impacting pharmaceutical IP rights.
• Significant experience engaging and influencing senior-level external audiences, including regulators, legislators, and trade groups.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills; ability to clearly articulate complex IP issues to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Proven track record of contributing to enterprise strategy and aligning policy with business objectives.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, bringing cross-cultural awareness and professional agility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global IP policy strategies aligned with BMS's objectives, anticipating and responding to rapidly evolving IP legislative, regulatory, and policy environments across key markets.
• Partner closely with Global Government Affairs team to advocate for pro-IP policy with key stakeholders globally, and with local colleagues within Innovation Law on ex-US policy initiatives.
• Represent BMS in industry associations (e.g., BIO, PhRMA, IFPMA, IPO) and with government agencies, policymakers, and multilateral organizations to shape global IP policy and advocacy positions.
• Advise executive leadership and cross-functional teams (Legal, R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, Public Affairs) on the business impact of global IP laws, treaties, and policy proposals, with emphasis on patent, data/market exclusivity, trade secrets, and technology transfer.
• Coordinate BMS positions and external advocacy on major global issues such as biosimilars, TRIPS Flexibilities, patent term extensions, compulsory licensing, digital health, AI-generated inventions, and anti-counterfeiting.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with key external stakeholders and thought leaders in the IP policy arena.
• Track, analyze, and communicate global IP policy developments, risks, and opportunities to leadership, proactively recommending responsive business, policy, and legal strategies.
• Support responses to government inquiries, white papers, and consultations on IP law reform, including preparation of comments, statements, and testimony.
• Drive internal education and awareness initiatives on global IP policy trends and ensure stakeholder alignment on BMS's positions.
• Contribute to management of key policy and advocacy budgets and ensure operational excellence in external engagement.

Benefits

• Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care.
• Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Financial well-being resources and a 401(K).
• Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support.
• Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year's holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility.
• Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave.
• Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources.
• Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Master's degree