AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

The Business Development Operations (BDO) team is a stand-alone business unit within AstraZeneca that pursues a range of value-enhancing business development opportunities that have a clear strategic fit with our portfolio and commercial capabilities. These transactions can be: alliances and strategic acquisitions to enhance our portfolio and pipeline in our main therapy areas; externalisation activity to broaden or accelerate the value in our pipeline; divestments to streamline our focus; Precision Medicine and Genomics (PMG) collaborations to support our precision medicine activities. The Associate Transaction Director:(i) Works closely with the Transaction Lead and customers in support of major transactions or leading smaller scale but significant opportunities(ii) Will ensure intra-team communications are effective(iii) Will use and adapt AstraZeneca standard legal templates and approaches and to ensure transactions are process compliant. They must have a good understanding of legal principles and the drug development and commercialisation process in addition to negotiation and excellent communication skills. Success in this role requires proven ability to project manage without authority and the ability to formulate cohesive strategic arguments which are underpinned by data. This requires effective stakeholder and relationship management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and interact directly and independently with all levels of employees, including senior leaders.

Your new role!

• For material transactions, acts in capacity of Project Manager in support of Transaction Leads as required.

• Leads individual workstreams within transaction teams as required by the Transaction Lead.

• Supports cross-functional transaction teams in the development of AstraZeneca preferred terms for each Agreement.

• Collates comments on agreements under negotiation from internal parties (e.g Finance, Legal, IP).

• Leads meaningful transactions on a regular basis from inception through to final negotiation of terms, with the supervision and coaching support of the accountable Transaction Lead. Such transactions requiring senior level stakeholder engagement and approval (SET-1 or above).

• Produces tailored collaboration agreements from template under guidance of the Transaction Lead and liaises with Legal Department to ensure that modified agreements are fit for purpose.

• Manages key stakeholders as necessary, securing relevant approvals and providing timely updates on progress of deals.

• Opens and maintains appropriate records in ECHO and upload decision support documentation as appropriate.

• Supports the Transaction Lead in ensuring effective handover to relevant Alliance Manager including preparation of any mandated handover documentation. Lead this activity for smaller transactions.

• Ensures thorough deal learning reviews are undertaken and learnings are shared across the BD deal making community.

• Supports, initiates, leads and manages re-negotiations and terminations as necessary.

• At all times, promote AstraZeneca externally as the preferred partner by:

• Responding promptly to external requests for information.

• Proactively making contacts, attending conferences and seminars.

• Keeping up-to-date with industry and research trends.

• Maintaining formal contact channels (such as regular meetings with partners).

• Contributes to the sharing of best practice.

Your essential qualifications, skills and experiences:

• Higher level degree

• Pharmaceutical industry experience

• Project management experience is preferable but not essential however job holder must have proven ability to manage cross-functional teams without authority and maintain sound judgement under pressure.

• Awareness of the latest trends in deal structures and funding opportunities.

• Financial, legal and/or scientific acumen preferred.

• Proven ability to work under significant pressure and deliver to tight timelines.

• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).

• Understands internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs.

• First-class collaborative and networking skills.

Competitive rates of pay apply

Opening date: 7th Sept

Closing date: 28th Sept

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.