About this role
At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits.
This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.
Position Summary
The Senior Director, M&A and BD&L will report to the Executive Director, M&A and BD&L and be a member of the organization responsible for executing external transactions to grow and complement BMS’ R&D portfolio. The individual will be responsible for structuring, negotiating and executing a variety of transaction types, including mergers & acquisitions, research collaborations, licensing, externalizations (out-licensing, spin-outs), divestitures and equity investments.
This is a senior individual contributor role within the M&A and BD&L function, and the individual will be a key member of the M&A and BD&L team, working closely with the Leadership Team to support the function's overall performance. The Senior Director will manage their assigned work, lead the execution of significant transactions, and serve as a trusted representative of BMS in negotiations, internal governance, and strategic discussions. The Senior Director is expected to provide strong peer leadership across the team and may mentor more junior colleagues; direct people management experience is not required for this role but is considered a plus.
Key Responsibilities
Lead (including structuring and negotiating) significant transactions on behalf of BMS, including M&A, licensing, and divestitures, under the guidance of the Executive Director; Drive the deal process from first contact with potential partners to execution of definitive agreements
Support the M&A and BD&L Leadership team in managing the pipeline of M&A BD&L opportunities, contributing insights and analysis to inform strategic priorities, in partnership with R&D and Commercial colleagues
Lead valuation, financial, and strategic analyses for assigned transactions, ensuring rigor and consistency in decision-making
Partner with therapeutic area leads and other key personnel to define and execute strategies for acquiring/licensing external assets
Serve as a skilled negotiator on assigned transactions, representing BMS's interests with rigor and professionalism
Presents business rationale, analyses and proposals to senior stakeholders and supports the governance and approval process for assigned transactions end-to-end
Build and maintain strong external relationships, including with investment banks, law firms, and target or partner company leadership
Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Directors and SVP, M&A and BD&L on assigned transactions and strategic priorities
Provide peer leadership and mentorship to junior members of the M&A and BD&L team; direct management of a team is not required but is a plus
Core Capabilities & Experience Desired
Bachelor's degree required; MBA, JD, PhD or other advanced business or science degree very strongly preferred
12 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical companies, including a strong track record of identifying, evaluating, and executing transactions; Must have significant experience in M&A and BD&L, investment banking, or corporate development
Financial Acumen: Highly skilled in financial analysis, valuation, and structuring deals; contributes to rigor and consistency in financial decision-making across the function
Negotiations & Contracting Proficiency: A skilled negotiator with a strong track record leading and closing complex transactions
Business Judgement: Skilled at solving complex deal issues, exercising sound and independent judgment on significant decisions;
Strong strategic thinker with a growing external network and point of view on the biopharmaceutical innovation landscape
Peer Leadership & Process Management: Strong influence and collaboration skills; capable of leading through influence and mentoring colleagues without formal authority, and adept at cross-functional interactions across R&D, Commercial, Legal, Finance, and other partner functions
People Leadership: direct experience managing is not required but is viewed favorably; eagerness to teach and coach junior team members is required
Demonstrated presence and credibility with senior internal leaders and external stakeholders
Consistently models BMS values and exercises sound, independent judgment on significant decisions
We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation Overview
Princeton - NJ - US: $233,750 - $283,250