Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub
Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub

Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
MSD in the UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead oncology business development opportunities and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Company: Join a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative oncology solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the oncology field while working with cutting-edge science.
  • Qualifications: PhD or MD in life sciences, with substantial experience in biopharmaceuticals and oncology.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture that values integrity, collaboration, and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation for our European Hub to be based in Moorgate, London. This role is hybrid and requires presence onsite 2 days a week.

The Search and Evaluation (S&E) team is a core function within our company’s Global Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) organisation that is focused on identifying and evaluating external partnering opportunities that are aligned with our company’s Research & Development and Business Development & Licensing strategies. The Search & Evaluation team interacts with biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, venture firms, and other key stakeholders in the life sciences industry, to explore potential opportunities to collaborate, license, or acquire assets.

Our team is responsible for leading global Search & Evaluation efforts for assets of high strategic value across the entire spectrum, from early‑stage discovery to late‑stage development or approved assets. They are accountable for leading scientific and technical due diligence to ensure an in-depth understanding of the underlying science behind each opportunity. You will be a key individual contributor and an expert to our company’s European‑based Business Development & Licensing efforts in the search, evaluation, due diligence, and execution of business development opportunities across the oncology therapeutic area.

What You Will Do
  • Identify, evaluate, and execute oncology business development opportunities with a focus on cutting‑edge science across all stages of development and modalities to enhance and expand our pipeline.
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally to analyse, review, and gain internal support for business development opportunities.
  • Responsible for leading deep scientific due diligence, the quality of formal due diligence output, and the integration of internal subject‑matter expert input and senior management review and approval.
  • Work closely with transaction leads, legal, commercial, and financial analysis team to ensure relevant deals of highest priority are being advanced and executed.
  • Contribute to oncology business development strategy with discovery and clinical development leadership.
  • Collaborate with preclinical, clinical, and commercial team, as well as corporate business development colleagues to ensure alignment between activities and business development needs relating to the pipeline.
  • Work closely with search and evaluation colleagues across our company’s business development & licensing team to ensure comprehensive coverage of the relevant opportunity space.
  • Provide thorough and timely assessments and updates to appropriate management levels to ensure efficient communication and seamless cross‑functional collaboration.
  • Manage a portfolio of complex business development projects serving as the primary scientific contact for potential licensing deals, acquisitions, collaborations, co‑development partnerships, and strategic alliances.
Education

PhD, MD, MD/PhD in a life sciences field is required, preferably oncology or oncology‑related.

Required Experience
  • Substantial experience within the biopharmaceutical industry or related role (e.g. management consulting, equity research, university technology transfer) with preferred experience in an oncology Search & Evaluation business development role.
  • Preferred experience in identifying, evaluating, and executing oncology business development deals and partnerships that have resulted in substantial impact.
  • Comprehensive understanding of drug discovery and development and a broad knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry and the oncology therapeutic area.
  • Thorough understanding of biopharmaceutical industry trends and competitive landscape with strong business acumen and ability to translate scientific and technical information to frame attractive business opportunities.
Skills/Competencies
  • Desire and proven ability to have an impact.
  • Energetic self‑starter with a strong work ethic, capable of thriving in a high‑growth, fast‑paced and intellectual environment.
  • Experience with cross‑functional leadership and collaboration with demonstrated conflict/issue resolution, time‑critical project management, negotiation skills, ability to build effective coalitions to move the deals forward.
  • Demonstrated ability to forge relationships and work in a hands‑on collaborative fashion with many different disciplines both inside and outside the company.
  • Ability to function autonomously, drive strategic decisions, and execute deals from sourcing to deal close.
  • Comfortable in high visibility situations, ability to demonstrate executive presence, and gain the trust and respect of research and development colleagues.
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, and the ability to influence and work successfully with varied audiences including colleagues, scientific and technical leaders, financial institutions, pharmaceutical and business partners, collaborators, and senior executives.
  • Highly developed organizational skills, operational skills, and ability to understand the content of and memorialize interactions with potential partners.
  • Ability to multi‑task while ensuring consistent attention and prioritization of the most critical and visible projects.
  • Self‑motivated, attention to detail, and proven ability to work well on teams.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, and skill of our team, with an inclusive culture of respect, encouragement, and teamwork. Members of our global team have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues, while developing their own careers.

Required Skills:
  • Acquisitions
  • Divestitures
  • Animal Health Care
  • Brand Design
  • Customer Experience Management
  • Developing Proposals
  • Environmental Scanning
  • Executive Presence
  • Financial Feasibility Studies
  • Immunology
  • Market Research
  • New Business Development
  • Operations Analysis
  • Professional Networking
  • Sales Intelligence
  • Self Motivation
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Strategic Licensing
  • Strategic Planning

Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub employer: MSD in the UK

At our company, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. As a Director in our Business Development & Licensing team based in the vibrant Moorgate area of London, you will have the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the oncology field while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. We are committed to your professional growth, offering extensive development opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical industry.
MSD in the UK

Contact Detail:

MSD in the UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the oncology and biopharmaceutical space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they hit the job boards.

Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on oncology trends and how they relate to business development. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also demonstrate your passion for the field.

Follow Up Like a Boss

After any interview or networking event, make sure to follow up with a thank-you email. It’s a simple way to keep the conversation going and remind them of your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it shows you’re professional and considerate!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team in the European Hub.

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub

Oncology Business Development
Scientific Due Diligence
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Project Management
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Licensing
Market Research
Financial Analysis
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Organisational Skills
Self-Motivation
Attention to Detail
Executive Presence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in oncology and business development. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about oncology and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and make sure to connect your experiences to the job description.

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves a lot of cross-functional collaboration, highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully worked with diverse teams. We love seeing examples of how you’ve built relationships and driven projects forward!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at MSD in the UK

Know Your Oncology Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in oncology. Be prepared to discuss specific therapies, drug development stages, and how they relate to the company's pipeline. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but genuinely interested in the field.

Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills

Since this role involves collaboration across various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with different departments in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've resolved conflicts to keep projects moving forward.

Prepare for Deep Dives

Expect to dive deep into scientific and technical due diligence during the interview. Prepare to explain how you approach evaluating business development opportunities and what criteria you use to assess their potential value.

Demonstrate Executive Presence

This role requires a strong executive presence, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence and engage with senior executives and stakeholders, and be ready to showcase your communication skills.

Director, Business Development & Licensing – Oncology Search and Evaluation, Europe Hub
MSD in the UK

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