Sr. Director, Business Development

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average. The Senior Director Business Development will work collaboratively with a variety of company functions including External Innovation (Acadia’s R&D Search and Evaluation team), Commercial, Legal, and Finance as well as external resources to identify and evaluate external assets to support and enhance the Acadia portfolio. Responsibilities include leading a team and working with Executive management to implement corporate Business Development (BD) strategies. Targeted transactions will take the form of in-licensing, asset acquisitions, strategic collaborations and company acquisitions so need a strong deal sheet and track record of identifying and completing transactions in the biopharma industry. This position reports to the Vice President, Business Development.

Requirements

Educational background in a scientific discipline is preferred, while an advanced scientific degree e.g. PhD is highly preferred. A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience within Business Development or investment banking with a focus on in-licensing or acquisition of therapeutics/companies in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. A combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. Prior experience within neurology and/or rare disease therapeutic areas is strongly preferred.
Substantial and varied transaction as well as negotiation experience.
Plays a key role leading and supporting numerous in-licensing, out-licensing, strategic collaboration, commercial alliance and acquisition transactions.
Possesses robust experience identifying, negotiating and closing transactions.
Scientific knowledge of industry sub-segments of CNS, Neurology or Orphan/Rare disease as well as industry functional areas of R&D, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs.
Proven ability to lead in a complex matrix environment with and without direct authority.
Demonstrated leadership abilities in direct and cross-functional roles.
Critical thinking skills with the ability to get to the right level of granularity to balance speed of execution and facilitate optimal decision-making by executive management.
Excellent financial analysis and research skills and ability to translate analyses into sound strategic recommendations.
Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry trends.
Ability to work in a results-oriented, project-driven, real-time team environment, prioritize projects and deliver quality results within tight time constraints.
Ability to think strategically as well as to act tactically.
Ability to connect with people and work multi-culturally.
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation skills and MS Office Suite and database skills.
Ability to travel extensively within and outside of the U.S.

Responsibilities

Effectively manages the transaction process (approach, opportunity assessment, due diligence, valuation, deal negotiations, deal structuring, internal governance processes, closing process and integration planning for key initiatives). Develop a solid business case for each transaction.
Drives search efforts to identify business development acquisition or in-licensing opportunities.
Performs in-depth evaluations, interpreting competitive landscape and analysis of financial data.
Assembles and effectively utilizes internal and external resources (as necessary) to ensure adequate support for each transaction
Works closely with the senior business development leadership to lead and/or assist in developing negotiation strategies.
Works with Finance to create forecasting and deal evaluation models.
Works with Legal to draft and negotiate contracts for transactions
Role supports and coordinates all deal-related activities for potential transactions. The External Innovation and Commercial teams lead the scientific and commercial assessments, which are incorporated into the overall deal package by BD.
Maintains awareness and knowledge of product strategy to assess fit of potential candidates.
Stays abreast of emerging healthcare & pharmaceutical industry trends and assess their potential impact on business strategies.
Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with biopharma companies, venture capitalists, investment bankers, and industry executives

Benefits

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance