Transaction Director, BioPharmaceuticals Business Development

Job Description

At AstraZeneca, we win through science, it’s at the heart of our every success. That science is only possible when we all work together – we’ll always make sure you’re clear about how your role is connected to our wider mission to really show what science can do!

The Transaction Director (TD), BioPharmaceuticals Business Development and Licensing (BD&L), AstraZeneca, reporting to the Head of Transactions, BD&L, is a key member of the BD&L transaction team which is responsible for future success of BioPharmaceuticals by enriching the BioPharmaceuticals product pipeline and technology capabilities through external innovation from discovery to Phase-2 development. This individual will work with BioPharmaceuticals Search and Evaluation teams, commercial and finance teams as well as other stakeholders to ensure that transactional activities of the BioPharmaceuticals R&D are delivered flawlessly. The TD will support the crafting of the business case, negotiate and close in and out licensing, consortia, joint venture, collaboration and other agreements.

The TD role is a senior role in the team requiring significant experience. The TD is the primary point of contact for the assigned transactions, leading all aspects of a business development project. The TD must have a very strong track record in terms of having led and transacted a wide range of agreements and must be able to handle several projects in parallel; engage independently with prospective partners, negotiate and close deals. The TD will lead multi-functional cross BioPharmaceuticals teams in negotiating and executing opportunities and therefore will need to be a strong team player and communication skills. The TD will lead development of deal structure and support their presentation to the AstraZeneca’s governance boards as appropriate. The TD must have strong judgement and decision-making skills in order to take responsibility both for progressing, closing and terminating transactions.
The TD assumes the role and responsibility of the leader of the assigned deal team and ensure that all the activities of the team are taken forward effectively in alignment with the Head of Transactions. Coordination within the relevant deal team both internally and externally establishing clear lines of communication are crucial..

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

TRANSACTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently establish the appropriate deal structure for a broad range of projects of all levels of complexity
• Independently – and with the help of the Head of Transactions and deal team members as relevant – evaluate deal terms, negotiate term sheets and key agreements
• Ensure flawless communication with all key stakeholders and line management throughout the process, best practice and compliance.

BUSINESS CASE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently lead the business case evaluation of a broad range of different types of projects of minor and major complexity, working with cross functional teams and the Head of Transactions as relevant
• In co-ordination with cross functional stakeholders and the Head of Transactions prepare key governance documents with regards to a broad range of projects of both minor and major complexity

OTHER ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Supporting evaluation of external licensing and partnering opportunities, e.g. establishing of CDA’s and supporting due diligence activities
• Ensure post deal activities are fully completed
• Build and maintain an internal network with BioPharmaceuticals R&D, Commercial Organisation, Legal Organisation and Deal Finance to enable the best possible deals
• Maintain a deep external network with biotech, venture and peer pharma and ensure strong relationship building where ever innovation happens
• Ensure, as far as is reasonable, that AZ is regarded as partner of choice by third parties
• Line manage and lead junior members of the transaction team as appropriate

Essential Education/Experience:

• Scientific training MS/Ph.D (preferred, but not essential) and Masters degree, e.g. MBA,
• At least 6-10 years relevant experience and knowledge of the scientific discipline from working in the life science sector,

Essential Skills:

• Postgraduate pharmaceutical, biotech industry or technology transfer office experience
• Expert understanding of key principles of contracts, deal structures, intellectual property, value drivers and valuation principles of relevance for licensing, collaboration and related transactions.
• Expert analytical skills and ability to effectively understand and act on complex information under high time pressure situations
• Excellent communication and team player skills, including in situations of very high pressure
• Outstanding ability to multitask and pre-empt future situations including at times of high pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Gravitas and significant leadership and influencing skills and track record
• Expert project management experience and track record of proactive initiation of projects
• Significant track record in terms of independently leading and transacting major complex deals

Benefits:

AstraZeneca is a leading company in the healthcare industry, with a mission to enrich the lives of others. It’s our business to support healthy living, not only for our patients, but also for our employees. Our benefits program is flexible enough to meet employees’ varying needs, offers valuable choices, and is highly competitive.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together.

Come and join our journey - Apply today!

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