Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director

Exelixis • Alameda, CA

12d • $219,000 - $310,500

About The Position

The Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and securing access to external assets and technologies for acquisition or partnership. This role involves building and expanding relationships within the biopharma industry, investment community, and academia to position Exelixis as a preferred partner for research, development, and commercialization. The Senior Director will continuously monitor the oncology landscape for emerging therapeutic targets, clinical trial updates and market trends to identify opportunities closely aligned with Exelixis' scientific, clinical, commercial, and strategic priorities. The Senior Director will collaborate cross-functionally to lead due diligence, build a business case, obtain alignment with senior leadership and assist in transaction negotiations. Additional responsibilities include scaling regional capabilities and mentoring junior team members.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with15 years of relevant experience; or MA/MS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 13 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; or MD in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; or Equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• Minimum of 12 years combined experience in oncology (or related science) and in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry
• Minimum of 5 years in business development (deal sourcing, scientific assessment, co-leading term sheet and contract negotiations) or related field (e.g. commercial analysis) in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company or investment bank, venture capital or private equity setting
• Established experience in identifying and evaluating partnering opportunities for transactions that have successfully closed
• Deep understanding of all aspects of oncology drug development related to discovery, clinical development, regulatory process, IP, CMC, and commercialization
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex scientific, clinical and commercial information to identify key strengths/weaknesses, portfolio fit, risk mitigation strategies and go/no go criteria
• Skilled in crafting and presenting summaries with recommendations to ensure effective decision-making
• Experience with co-leading term sheet negotiation/contracts for discovery or clinical-stage opportunities
• Exceptional oral and written communication, organization, and project management skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrix environment
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills to build mutual trust and foster strong relationships internally and externally
• Ability to influence without authority and lead effectively
• Self-motivated, requiring minimal supervision
• Requires an ability to concurrently manage multiple complex projects with tight timelines, while maintaining continuous alignment with multiple stakeholders at different levels, across the organization

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral experience a plus, but not required
• MBA degree is a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

• Scientific and Market Intelligence: Deep knowledge of Oncology related to current and emerging target landscapes, clinical trial readouts, evolving standards of care, transaction trends, and global market conditions (with a focus on Asia)
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong external relationships within the biotech/pharmaceutical ecosystem, academic institutions, and investors. Represent Exelixis at scientific and partnering conferences to facilitate the flow of inbound opportunities
• Strategy and Planning: Work closely with R&D and commercial leadership to develop and execute Exelixis’ business development strategy
• Opportunity Sourcing: Proactively identify and assess external opportunities (assets, platforms, technologies) in Oncology, ensuring alignment with Exelixis’ strategic and scientific priorities
• Due Diligence: Lead deep scientific, clinical, and commercial diligence, integrating input from cross-functional experts in R&D, Commercial, and Legal
• Presentation & Communication: Synthesize complex scientific information and provide summaries and recommendations for effective decision making. Ensure prompt and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Negotiation Support: Work closely with transaction leads and legal teams to develop deal structures and risk mitigation strategies. Support negotiations for licensing, acquisition, and collaboration agreements and ensure timely agreement execution
• Working in teams: Maintaining a constructive attitude with internal colleagues and external contacts, while ensuring a focus on teamwork will be key to success

Benefits

• Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan.
• Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees