Executive Director, Global Business Development, Transactions

Daiichi Sankyo US; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 255,000 - 425,000; Full time

Job summary

Daiichi Sankyo US in New Jersey is seeking an Executive Director, Global Business Development – Transactions to lead oncology collaborations, licensing, and commercialization efforts. The role requires extensive life-science expertise and a proven record in closing complex oncology deals.

You will manage cross-functional teams, negotiate agreements, mentor junior staff, travel up to 30%, and drive strategic value across the deal lifecycle.

Qualifications

• MBA with a strong finance focus preferred.
• Master’s degree—Engineering Management, Finance, or relevant discipline—preferred.
• PhD, MD, JD, or JD with transaction leadership experience also acceptable.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, with previous big‑pharma experience.
• Branded oncology transaction experience required.
• Negotiation and closing of complex agreements—co‑development, joint ventures, clinical trials, material transfer, divestitures, licensing, acquisitions, and venture capital investments—required.

Responsibilities

• Execute assigned transactions through proposal, review, and negotiation of NBTS and definitive agreements, acting as lead for opportunities assigned by the Vice President Global Business Development.
• Work with key functional leads—R&D finance, project leadership, business development, legal—and senior management to secure alignment on key terms and conditions pre‑and during negotiations.
• Communicate progress through internal approval committees, sharing key contractual terms, strategic, financial, scientific, and commercial rationale.
• Respond to Q&A from corporate finance, business development, oncology marketing, and other stakeholders; conduct product searches and coordinate efforts to identify pipeline‑enhancing opportunities.
• Schedule and lead diligence meetings with potential partners; manage alliance compliance, resolve strategic issues, and renegotiate as necessary.
• Train and develop junior staff and direct reports, ensuring functional excellence within the Global Business Development function.

Skills

Pharma experience

Oncology deals

Financial acumen

Team leadership

Negotiation

Deal sheet

Education

MBA

Master’s in Engineering Management/Finance

PhD/MD/JD

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

At Daiichi Sankyo, we are united by a single purpose, to improve lives around the world through innovative medicines. With a legacy of innovation since 1899, a presence in more than 30 countries, and more than 19,000 employees, we are advancing breakthrough therapies in oncology, cardiovascular disease, rare diseases, and immune disorders. Guided by our 2030 vision to "be an innovative global healthcare company contributing to the sustainable development of society", we are shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for patients, their families, and society.

Job Summary

The Executive Director, Global Business Development – Transactions will lead business‑development efforts in oncology, partnering, licensing, and commercialization of therapies. The candidate must possess strong business acumen, extensive life‑science experience, and a proven track record of closing complex oncology transactions, evidenced by a comprehensive deal sheet. Responsibilities include spearheading transactions, coordinating cross‑functional teams, negotiating agreements, and supervising junior business‑development staff.

Responsibilities

• Execute assigned transactions through proposal, review, and negotiation of NBTS and definitive agreements, acting as lead for opportunities assigned by the Vice President Global Business Development.

• Work with key functional leads—R&D finance, project leadership, business development, legal—and senior management to secure alignment on key terms and conditions pre‑and during negotiations.

• Communicate progress through internal approval committees, sharing key contractual terms, strategic, financial, scientific, and commercial rationale.

• Respond to Q&A from corporate finance, business development, oncology marketing, and other stakeholders; conduct product searches and coordinate efforts to identify pipeline‑enhancing opportunities.

• Schedule and lead diligence meetings with potential partners; manage alliance compliance, resolve strategic issues, and renegotiate as necessary.

• Train and develop junior staff and direct reports, ensuring functional excellence within the Global Business Development function.

Qualifications

Education

MBA with a strong finance focus preferred. Master’s degree—Engineering Management, Finance, or relevant discipline—preferred. PhD, MD, JD, or JD with transaction leadership experience also acceptable. Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

• 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, with previous big‑pharma experience.

• Extensive experience leading complex oncology transactions, including multiple major deals to closing.

• Proven ability to manage and mentor teams; track record of training junior staff.

• Branded oncology transaction experience required.

• Strong financial expertise and independent transaction leadership in oncology.

• Companion diagnostic contracting expertise strongly preferred.

• Negotiation and closing of complex agreements—co‑development, joint ventures, clinical trials, material transfer, divestitures, licensing, acquisitions, and venture capital investments—required.

• Demonstrated independent working ability and influence over internal and external stakeholders.

• Deal sheet reflecting breadth of transaction leadership and success required.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including frequent overnight trips domestically and some global travel as required by the deal process.

Additional Information

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Range

USD $255,000.00 – USD $425,000.00