Senior Business Development Search & Evaluation Director

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE (Basic purpose of the job)

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 continuously monitor the oncology landscape for emerging therapeutic targets, clinical trial updates and market trends to identify opportunities closely aligned with Exelixis' scientific, clinical, commercial, and strategic priorities.

The Senior Director will collaborate cross‑functionally to lead due diligence, build a business case, obtain alignment with senior leadership and assist in transaction negotiations. Additional responsibilities include scaling regional capabilities and mentoring junior team members.

• Scientific and Market Intelligence:
  Deep knowledge of Oncology related to current and emerging target landscapes, clinical trial readouts, evolving standards of care, transaction trends, and global market conditions (with a focus on Asia)
• Relationship Management:
  Build and maintain strong external relationships within the biotech/pharmaceutical ecosystem, academic institutions, and investors. Represent Exelixis at scientific and partnering conferences to facilitate the flow of inbound opportunities
• Strategy and Planning:
  Work closely with R&D and commercial leadership to develop and execute Exelixis’ business development strategy
• Opportunity Sourcing:
  Proactively identify and assess external opportunities (assets, platforms, technologies) in Oncology, ensuring alignment with Exelixis’ strategic and scientific priorities
• Due Diligence:
  Lead deep scientific, clinical, and commercial diligence, integrating input from cross‑functional experts in R&D, Commercial, and Legal
• Presentation & Communication:
  Synthesize complex scientific information and provide summaries and recommendations for effective decision making. Ensure prompt and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Negotiation Support:
  Work closely with transaction leads and legal teams to develop deal structures and risk mitigation strategies. Support negotiations for licensing, acquisition, and collaboration agreements and ensure timely agreement execution
• Working in teams:
  Maintaining a constructive attitude with internal colleagues and external contacts, while ensuring a focus on teamwork will be key to success

• No supervisory responsibilities.

Education:

• BA/BS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 15 years of relevant experience; or
• MA/MS degree in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 13 years of relevant experience; or
• Ph.D. in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; or
• MD in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, oncology or related discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and years of experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years combined experience in oncology (or related science) and in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry
• Postdoctoral experience a plus, but not required
• MBA degree is a plus, but not required
• Minimum of 5 years in business development (deal sourcing, scientific assessment, co‑leading term sheet and contract negotiations) or related field (e.g., commercial analysis) in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company or investment bank, venture capital or private equity setting
• Established experience in identifying and evaluating partnering opportunities for transactions that have successfully closed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of all aspects of oncology drug development related to discovery, clinical development, regulatory process, IP, CMC, and commercialization
• Ability…