Senior Director, Business Development

Zymeworks Inc.

97d

About The Position

This position serves as a key member of the business development transactions team, reporting to the Vice President, Head of Business Development. This person will act as the deal architect and lead negotiator (deal structuring, term sheet, contract negotiations) for partnering opportunities strategically aligned with corporate initiatives. The position will also be responsible for presenting analyses to internal team members and senior management team members.

Requirements

Post-graduate degree (business/relevant scientific discipline (Pharm D, MD, PhD) and a minimum of 10 years’ related experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A record of accomplishment in business development, preferably with sell-side experience in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Expertise building detailed valuation models and presentations that incorporate all research findings and recommendations and experience with term sheet and contract negotiations.
Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a cross-functional team.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent deliverables and work effectively in a challenging, milestone-driven environment.
Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to manage, develop and empower employees and teams.
Experience leading strategic planning processes/initiatives in a complex cross-functional environment with and without direct authority.
Ability to think and act strategically, anticipate road-blocks and map out next steps.
Successful track record in business development in a leading role: developing, negotiating and securing creative licensing, partnership and acquisition deals from initial terms to deal closure while ensuring deals are “win-win”.
A strong understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, drug development process and trends, competitor landscape and business strategy.
Outstanding skills in competitive analysis and opportunity identification.
High level of integrity and ethics.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent deliverables and work effectively in a challenging, milestone-driven environment.
Results-oriented with excellent attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence senior leaders and clearly articulate strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

On a project-by-project basis, provide outstanding partnering and project management skills through the entire deal making process to secure and implement attractive deals.
Develop partnering structures tailored to the profile of each envisioned collaboration.
Propose deal terms and negotiation strategy to senior management.
Drive contribution from various functions to develop robust and comprehensive business cases and derive clear recommendations.
Identify and resolve issues promptly, gather and analyze information skillfully, escalate to senior management quickly.
Work closely with the BD leadership and senior management to understand key partnering priorities, drive alignment, and proactively communicate project updates.
Facilitate decision making process at key governance deal committees by preparing comprehensive presentations/memos.
Proactively monitor the external business environment and maintain a knowledge base of licensing transactions and other companies partnering activities.
Build and continuously strengthen broad industry network to facilitate deal making.
Maintain relationship with partners through alliance management activities post deal
Represent the company at scientific, investor and partnering conferences.
Lead through example to establish an environment fostering effective and collaborative working relationships.