Senior Manager/Associate Director-Business Development

Brief Job Description

Typically taking the lead role in a specialist therapeutic area for late-stage commercial BD projects to help AstraZeneca optimize the product portfolio for in-organic growth in international (ex-US/EU/JP) and China markets.

Within the specialist therapeutic area, he/she will manage projects end to end, identifying deal lead, to business case formation and engaging partners throughout to deal finalization.  Shall lead cross-functional teams alongside the process to obtain internal stakeholder endorsement and case approval.

Typical Accountabilities

• Work closely with New Assets, Medical and R&D team on TA strategy, in which to identify the Commercial BD strategy and opportunities under the overarching TAS.  These may be in/out licensing, divestment, or alliance opportunities.
• Competent in desktop research, preliminary screening, and establish external networks to ensure early identification and capture of relevant BD lead candidates.
• Work closely with Medical, Clinical teams to interpret and synthesise data gathered from 3rd parties, desk sources and internal AZ knowledge in building a business proposition.
• Take responsibility to filter opportunities and to terminate evaluations that do not meet business requirements or standards. 
• Lead and drive multifunctional teams for business case formation, incl. technical, commercial and financial evaluation of opportunities. Ensure that the evaluations are thorough and objective, with fitted deal rationale, clear opportunity, suitable deal structure and sensible terms.
• Manage the relationship with the potential partner in a timely and professional manner; ensure that AZ remains competitive in 3rd party deal process. 
• Prepare and present deal case to key stakeholders at China/International and Global level, and senior leadership governance review.
• Lead the deal negotiation and closure; ensure post deal transition smoothly to alliance management team.
• Positively develop, manage and maintain stakeholder relationships with senior China and International colleagues, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Supply Chain, etc.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Essential:
  • Bachelor or master degree level education
  • At least 5 years past experience in BD and/or New Product Planning
  • Broad knowledge of pharmaceutical business, process and activities
  • Good knowledge of disease areas, drug development activities and commercialization dynamics and business environment, especially within AZ
  • Existing knowledge of scientific, commercial and financial evaluation techniques; Numerate and having financial literacy
  • Experience with deal process, knowledge of deal structures and legal principles
  • Experience in leading multiple, large, international, multi-functional project teams of senior professionals
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to ascertain the relevant issues from large masses of information, and to think strategically and logically alongside the deal process
  • Strong presentation and communication skills to lead and drive in-depth specific discussions with senior stakeholders to gain essential endorsement
  • Experience and effectiveness in the presentation of written and oral business cases to the most senior AZ Management, in either English or Chinese
  • Experience, motivation for working and sustained calmness in an intense deal environment with pressure
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills; proven negotiation skills
  • Experience to create a positive relationship with third parties as an AZ Ambassador
  • A flexible, team orientated attitude, willing to contribute own skills to deliver AZ priority projects
  • Innovative thinking, openness to new ideas, comfortability with uncertainties, and ability to think out of box are core competencies for the job
  • Excellent skills in PowerPoint / Thinkcell, and Excel; fluent in English and Mandarin, both written and verbal

• Desirable/preferred:
  • PhD degree in pharma-related academics a strong plus
  • Management consulting experience in healthcare industry
  • Established external network in a relevant therapy area is an advantage

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.