The Director / Associate Director of Business Development & Licensing Transactions, Oncology R&D, is a role in the Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) organization at AstraZeneca. This person supports global business development and licensing initiatives and has a direct impact on the success of the Oncology R&D strategy and portfolio. In collaboration with the Oncology BD&L Search & Evaluation (S&E) team responsible for proactively scouting external innovation and conducting due diligence, and working with teams of internal SMEs, the role holder will enrich the product pipeline and technology capabilities through external innovation opportunities.

The BD&L Transactions group is responsible for leading transactional activities across a range of deals from discovery to Phase 2 development opportunities, including in-licensing, out-licensing, acquisition and divestment of assets, collaborations, and clinical trial combinations, to augment AstraZeneca Early and Late Oncology R&D.

By effectively building business investment cases, structuring deals and executing on a range of partnering opportunities, this person will ensure that AstraZeneca Oncology R&D science, capabilities and project portfolio are positioned for future challenges and opportunities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Oncology BD&L Search & Evaluation team, is accountable for all aspects of transaction, including definition of deal structure, term sheet preparation and negotiation, financial analysis, and deal negotiation, contract review, execution and communication.
• Works across a range of transactions, including: in licensing, out licensing, acquisition or divestment of assets, co-development collaborations, clinical trial combinations.
• Collaborates with S&E lead in both preparation and presentation of business case and contributes transactional aspects of deal proposals for senior management briefings and governance bodies.
• Works with key partners and cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication, efficient decision-making, to complete transactions in a timely manner.
• Establishes a broad network of internal and external partners and maintains a high level of external visibility.
• Enables agile decision making and deal execution process, by determining the appropriate level of input from key stakeholders.
• Partnering with the Search & Evaluation team, builds an internal network with Oncology R&D, Oncology Business Unit, and Deal Finance to optimize deal-making and deal flow.
• Ensures effective transition to alliance management of post-deal matters.
• Meaningfully contributes to BD&L team mission for AZ to be regarded as partner of choice.

Education and experience:

• 5-10+ years in life sciences industry, including in-licensing and out-licensing transactional leadership within biopharma industry. An MBA or JD is helpful.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• The level (Director/ Associate Director) of the position will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidates.
• Proven transactional abilities in an innovative pharma or biotech drug development environment.
• Strong deal sheet demonstrating leadership across a range of transaction types, including concluded in-licensing and out-licensing deals.
• Transactional legal experience (with focus in licenses and collaborations) a plus
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams.
• A strong background of building successful internal/external partnership and collaborative relationships, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals.
• Ability to think critically, creatively and to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to navigate and succeed in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment.

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.