Executive Director, Head of Business Development Transactions

Role Summary

Executive Director, Head of BD Transactions sought to lead business development with deep experience in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals. The role requires strong deal-making expertise, financial valuation, and ability to structure and negotiate complex transactions across technologies and therapeutics. Reports to the SVP & Head of BD; hybrid role based in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership and business acumen while collaborating with R&D, Commercial, Finance, Legal, and Search & Evaluation to evaluate external innovation, develop business cases and term sheets, conduct due diligence, and negotiate contracts to execute strategic transactions in support of BD opportunity review, prioritization, and decision-making.
• Develop and recommend proposed deal structures and terms; co-lead with senior leads the delivery of business assessments and recommendations of external opportunities, including deal proposals, valuation, deal status, and key issues to governance bodies for endorsement.
• Lead or coach team members to negotiate deals, bridge gaps, communicate key deal issues and updates to leadership, and ensure term sheets and contracts reflect business intent.
• Serve as thought partner to formulate BD strategies to drive enterprise goals while sourcing and evaluating external innovation.
• Communicate effectively across a matrix organization and with potential partners to articulate the vision, purpose, and expectations of BD initiatives for clarity and alignment.
• As part of the BD Leadership Team, manage or coach a team of BD professionals and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• MBA, JD, or other advanced business degree; science background preferred and ability to quickly understand new science and technology.
• At least 10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical BD, particularly in transactions with multiple closed deals; demonstrated experience leading complex, high-value transactions.
• Deep understanding of drug development processes and extensive knowledge of biotech/pharma industries, including market trends, regulatory environment, and macro deal-making factors.
• Proven ability to translate scientific knowledge into business cases, analyze commercial forecasts, P&Ls, risk analyses, and financial valuations; strong term sheet/contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to simplify complex ideas, synthesize information, and influence stakeholders; strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and capable of effective work in a fast-paced environment; strong project management and independence.
• Strong executive presence, leadership, and people management skills; ability to motivate and inspire others.