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 leadership alignment, and assist in transaction negotiations, while scaling regional capabilities and mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Scientific and Market Intelligence: Deep knowledge of oncology target landscapes, 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 biotech/pharma, academia, and investors; represent Exelixis at conferences to facilitate inbound opportunities
• Strategy and Planning: Collaborate with R&D and commercial leadership to develop and execute the business development strategy
• Opportunity Sourcing: Identify and assess external oncology opportunities ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
• Due Diligence: Lead scientific, clinical, and commercial diligence with input from cross-functional teams
• Presentation & Communication: Synthesize complex information and provide clear recommendations; ensure timely communication with stakeholders
• Negotiation Support: Work with transaction leads and legal teams to structure deals and support negotiations for licensing, acquisition, and collaboration agreements
• Teamwork: Maintain a constructive, collaborative approach with internal and external partners

Qualifications

• Education: BA/BS in life sciences or related; advanced degree (MA/MS, PhD, or MD) preferred with extensive relevant experience
• Experience: Minimum 12 years in oncology or related science, and at least 5 years in business development or related field in pharma/biotech or related financial sectors; proven track record identifying and closing partnering opportunities
• Additional: Postdoctoral experience and MBA are a plus
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of oncology drug development, regulatory processes, IP/CMC, and commercialization

Skills

• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex scientific, clinical, and commercial information for decision-making
• Experience co-leading term sheet negotiations and contracts for discovery or clinical-stage opportunities
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, and project management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrix environment; strong interpersonal skills; ability to influence without authority
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple complex projects with tight timelines

Education

• BA/BS in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related field
• Advanced degree (MA/MS, PhD, or MD) preferred; years of experience may substitute

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Approximately 30% travel required