Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director

Role Summary

The Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and securing access to external assets and technologies for acquisition or partnership. This role involves building and expanding relationships within the biopharma industry, investment community, and academia to position Exelixis as a preferred partner for research, development, and commercialization. The Senior Director will monitor the oncology landscape for emerging therapeutic targets, clinical trial updates and market trends to identify opportunities aligned with Exelixis' priorities, lead due diligence, build a business case, obtain alignment with senior leadership, and assist in transaction negotiations. Additional responsibilities include scaling regional capabilities and mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Scientific and Market Intelligence: Deep knowledge of Oncology related to current and emerging target landscapes, clinical trial readouts, evolving standards of care, transaction trends, and global market conditions (with a focus on Asia)
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain external relationships within the biotech/pharmaceutical ecosystem, academic institutions, and investors. Represent Exelixis at scientific and partnering conferences
• Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute Exelixis‚Äôs business development strategy with R&D and commercial leadership
• Opportunity Sourcing: Identify and assess external opportunities (assets, platforms, technologies) in Oncology
• Due Diligence: Lead scientific, clinical, and commercial diligence, integrating input from cross-functional experts
• Presentation & Communication: Synthesize complex scientific information and provide summaries and recommendations for decision making; ensure clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Negotiation Support: Develop deal structures and risk mitigation strategies; support negotiations for licensing, acquisition, and collaboration agreements
• Working in teams: Maintain a constructive attitude with internal colleagues and external contacts to support teamwork

Education

• BA/BS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 15 years of relevant experience; or
• MA/MS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 13 years of relevant experience; or
• Ph.D. in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; or
• MD in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and years of experience

Experience

• Minimum of 12 years combined experience in oncology (or related science) and in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry
• Postdoctoral experience a plus, but not required
• MBA degree is a plus, but not required
• Minimum of 5 years in business development (deal sourcing, scientific assessment, co-leading term sheet and contract negotiations) or related field in a pharmaceutical/biotech company or investment bank, venture capital or private equity
• Established experience in identifying and evaluating partnering opportunities for transactions that have successfully closed

Skills

• Deep understanding of all aspects of oncology drug development across discovery, clinical development, regulatory process, IP, CMC, and commercialization
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex scientific, clinical and commercial information to identify portfolio strengths/weaknesses and go/no-go criteria
• Skilled in crafting and presenting summaries with recommendations for decision-making
• Experience co-leading term sheet negotiations/contracts for discovery or clinical-stage opportunities
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, organization, and project management
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrix environment
• Analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills to build mutual trust and relationships
• Ability to influence without authority and lead effectively
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with tight timelines while aligning with stakeholders

Additional Requirements

• Travel: 30% travel time required