SVP of Business Development - Partnology

A science-driven research and clinical development organization headquartered in Menlo Park, CA is seeking a SVP of Business Development to join their team. The well-funded Biotech Company is focused on fundamentally transforming how we approach and treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Scope and Responsibilities:

As Senior Vice President of Business Development, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer and lead critical activities to access external therapeutic programs and technologies, including the sourcing, evaluation and negotiation of out-licensing, collaboration, and partnering deals.

• Lead the sourcing (including landscaping efforts for prioritized areas of interest), evaluation and negotiation of high-impact collaborations, licensing, equity, and acquisition opportunities
• Enable and lead robust decision-making through all stages of deals, including seeking approval for transactions from the Executive Team and Board of Directors.
• Oversee negotiations strategies with prospective partners, including creating collaboration structures aligned with scientific and business needs and making deal recommendations to key executive team stakeholders
• Develop and oversee the execution of short- and long-range business development strategies aligned with the priorities and interests of corporate strategy
• Concurrently manage multiple projects of complex business opportunities. Requires prioritizing projects with key stakeholders and aligning with corporate goals
• Set, communicate, and drive implementation of the partnering strategy in collaboration with executive team stakeholders
• Oversee ongoing and active development of world-class business development capabilities, processes and practices
• Establish collaborative relationships with key internal functions (R&D, Tech Ops, Legal and Finance) to ensure strong relationships with and support for the BD transactions
• Be an ambassador at external meetings, conferences, and seminars to access new opportunities and develop external networks
• Ensure high-quality opportunity assessments and due diligence reviews.
• Accountable for the achievement of important goals that impact and contribute to the company mission
• Demonstrate ability to engage and effectively influence team members while prioritizing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Drive curiosity, scientific rigor and excellent problem-solving skills across a fast-paced, performance-driven environment

Key Criteria

• MBA, Ph.D., and/or MD preferred
• 8+ years of business development experience in the biotech industry
• Experience leading and negotiating complex transactions
• This person will ideally know the autoimmune space and have more experience in out-licensing and partnering deals, rather than in-licensing.
• This role will involve developing a strategy for when to start reaching out to potential partners, creating a shortlist of companies for different targets, and identifying if they have connections with strategics or experience with larger companies.
• Someone who can help shape a strategy to approach Big Pharma effectively.
• Expert executive communication skills; highly capable of articulating the company's value proposition and partnering interests to varied audiences
• Strong influencing skills (e. g. up, down and across), preferably with experience navigating and influencing stakeholders with and without authority
• Strong decision-maker, able to appropriately articulate and balance tradeoffs in areas of high complexity
• Excellent analytical and strategic capabilities

Why Join?

• A culture inspired by our values: (e.g., patients first, teamwork, scientific rigor and curiosity)
• A collaborative, data-driven pre-IPO start-up environment where we inspire each other to always perform at our best and focus on advancing science that will help patients
• Learning and development resources to help you grow professionally and potential for advancement for stronger performers
• Competitive compensation (Base & Performance Bonus) and stock option package (equity in an early-stage company)
• Rich medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health, Limited, and Dependent Care FSA; HSA with company contributions
• 401(k) with company matching
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
• Paid Term Life and AD&D, STD, and LTD plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous company paid holidays and flexible PTO
• Flexible work schedule. Onsite/hybrid preferred;. Remote work will be considered, but will require frequent travel to corporate headquarters.(on-site/hybrid/ remote)
• Kitchen stocked with a variety of healthy and delicious snacks and drinks
• Free electric car charging on site