Exelixis, Inc.
Executive Director, Business Development (Finance)
Exelixis is actively expanding its Business Development and Alliance Management group. As members of the Exelixis team, we strive to be exceptional, excel for patients, and exceed together in our company's mission to develop the next wave of innovative cancer therapeutics. As a key leader on the business development team, the incumbent is responsible for identifying, evaluating and developing in-licensing opportunities and partnerships in support of Exelixis' growing oncology pipeline. Up to 30% travel is required.
Position Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Based on Exelixis' pipeline and BD strategy, and working with internal R&D as well as commercial leadership, identify suitable licensing and partnership opportunities
• In close collaboration and alignment with other team members, plan and conduct BD meetings, e.g. at partnering conferences and scientific congresses; expand and manage our external network of business and scientific contacts supporting BD activities
• Triage external opportunities originating from various sources, taking into account scientific/clinical, commercial and financial/business data
• Lead internal evaluations and diligence of promising business development projects, including technical, commercial and IP diligence and financial assessments
• Lead business case preparation and (in collaboration with Legal) term sheet negotiations and contracting
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• This is a senior leadership role, working with executive and senior leadership in other functions (R&D, finance, legal, commercial and manufacturing) as well as other BD staff
• Must have ability to work effectively in a matrix environment, managing timely and high-quality contributions from other key functions including senior leaders
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
Education:
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in related scientific discipline such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cancer research, or genetics is required
• MBA is a plus, but not necessary
Experience:
• Minimum of 16 years combined experience in oncology (or related science) and in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry
• Postdoctoral experience a plus, but not required
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in business development (deal sourcing, scientific assessment, term sheet and contract negotiations) or related field (e.g. commercial analysis) in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company setting
• Deep deal sheet demonstrating proficiency in actively driving and closing various deal types
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Candidate must have thorough understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, regulatory issues, and the oncology scientific and commercial landscape
• Must have ability to quickly and thoroughly analyze scientific, clinical and commercial information and identify key strengths and weaknesses as well as fit with strategy
• Negotiations experience: has negotiated term sheets / contracts for diverse asset types and partnership structures, at various stages of development (discovery through clinical / commercial stage)
• Works well in a matrix environment; can work through ambiguity and create alignment across multi-disciplinary teams based on Exelixis' mission and strategic goals
• Working with R&D leaders and Finance, can develop preclinical and clinical development plans and develop costing analyses for licensing opportunities
• Working with Commercial leadership, can build commercial assessments
• Identify defendable key go/no go criteria based on technical and other diligence of licensing opportunities and create defendable business cases
• Ability to think creatively and to develop vision for licensing deals or partnerships, as well as to create compelling presentations in support of investment hypothesis
JOB COMPLEXITY:
• Position requires a great deal of independence and influencing skills in order to successfully manage multiple (often complex) projects, executive stakeholders, and large amounts of information at any given time
• Focus on driving projects to conclusion, often under tight timelines and in the absence of a full set of data
• Navigate projects through a rapidly changing, fast-paced and competitive external scientific and BD environment
• Continuously adapt and optimize BD processes as Exelixis is undergoing significant growth
DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.