Senior Director, Business Development at Otsuka Princeton, NJ

Senior Director, Business Development

Princeton, NJ

Reporting to the Executive Director of Business Development, the Senior Director will support global business development transactions. This role requires extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, a strong scientific and development background, proven project and people leadership, and excellent communication skills. The candidate will effectively lead business development transaction activities, including product acquisitions and licensing deals, to advance Otsuka’s portfolio interests.

Responsibilities include defining deal structure, drafting term‑sheets, conducting financial analysis, negotiating, and executing global transactions.

• Lead business development transaction activities, such as product acquisitions and licensing deals, for the global market including the United States with biotech and pharma companies.
• Lead communication, discussion, and negotiation with potential partners of the transactions.
• Serve as the internal lead for the preparation and presentation of transactional aspects of each business case for the head of global business development and senior management in the U.S., with support from functions across the business.
• Partner with scientific and technical evaluation teams to ensure the deal is fit for purpose and satisfies strategic partnering objectives.
• Generate and design termsheets in consultation with the contract negotiation team at Japan HQ, discuss and negotiate with potential partners, and review and revise counter proposals.
• Work with the contract negotiation team at Japan HQ and legal to complete definitive agreements.
• Support in‑depth reviews and due diligence on external opportunities, including scientific assessment, development plan, market research, competitive intelligence, strategic assessment, and transaction financial structure.
• Work cross‑functionally to ensure effective communication, efficient decision‑making, and timely completion of transactions.
• Establish and maintain internal and external stakeholder networks.

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA, PharmD, JD, MD, or PhD) and 6–10 years of relevant business development experience, focusing on clinical‑stage deals.
• Demonstrated negotiation and deal‑making experience.
• Extensive scientific knowledge—ideally in neuroscience, nephrology, immunology, or other significant scientific training.
• Demonstrated ability to generate a term‑sheet‑level agreement and to review and revise a definitive agreement based on familiarity with legal language and multiple agreement types.
• Demonstrated track record of managing in‑licensing and out‑licensing business development processes from start to finish.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an international and multicultural environment and successfully build relationships with and influence U.S. and ex‑U.S. headquarters stakeholders.
• Well‑established global network in the biopharma industry.
• JD or PhD preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills to work with internal and external partners.
• Strong customer service and client consulting orientation.
• Leadership and management skills to lead cross‑functional teams.
• Analytical, quantitative, and creative problem‑solving skillset.
• Ability to think strategically and to manage and resolve conflicting/competing priorities.
• Interest and ability to interpret scientific data.

• Accountability for results – stay focused on key strategic objectives and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic thinking & problem solving – make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & customer centricity – maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and key stakeholders.
• Impactful communication – communicate with logic, clarity, and respect.
• Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful collaboration – seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered development – play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Otsuka is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.