Vice President, Business Development Transactions Lead

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

The Vice President (“VP”), Business Development (“BD”) Transactions Lead is a senior Global Business Development (“GBD”) role that creates and maximizes value for Kyowa Kirin through strategic partnering with external collaborators.

The role includes oversight for transactional aspects of global or multi-regional deal making across asset licensing (in or out), alliances/partnering, M&A, or other deal constructs. The candidate has responsibility for network building in collaboration with Strategy, Search & Evaluation (“S&E”), Alliance Excellence (“AE”), and Corporate Venture Capital (“CVC”) teams, ensuring effective group management of internal and external stakeholder relationships and leading or supporting negotiation of financial and contractual terms through to deal conclusion.

The candidate defines and supports KKC corporate venture investment objectives, including private equity fund investments or direct early pharmaceutical or technology company investments.

As a key member of the GBD Leadership Team (“GBD LT”), the candidate will have ownership and responsibility for leading select global and region-specific transactional activities.

This role includes mentoring and coaching junior members of the GBD team and providing positive leadership as a role model.

The successful candidate should have a strong scientific and clinical background, a proven track record in deal making, project and people leadership, business and strategic acumen, and executive communication skills.

In addition, the candidate will be able to engage and collaborate across organizational and geographical boundaries, demonstrate an entrepreneurial attitude, and act with urgency and agility.

Essential Functions

1. Lead Global Transactional Activity

• Lead global or multi-region transactional BD projects, such as in-license or acquisition of global or multi-regional rights to strategic assets.
• Support Open Innovation (“OI”) and Research Groups by leading transactional aspects of technology licensing.
• Coordinate with and guide the global CVC group on investment opportunities.
• Lead out-license or other off-balance-sheet approaches to maximize the value of non-core global assets.
• Engage in networking and relationship building across the full spectrum of pharma, biotech, banking, private equity, and venture capital counterparts.
• Support the S&E team through a developed network, helping to identify company or asset targets under the guidance framework from the Global Product Strategy Department (“GPSD”).
• Work closely with the S&E team to ensure effective due diligence and BD opportunity risk assessment.
• Establish long-term professional relationships with the GBD network and potential partners across the globe, particularly in North America (“NA”) and EMEA, to promote KK as a “Partner of Choice.”
• Ensure upward reporting of deal progress and sign-off, as well as support KK management in decision-making regarding BD matters. This includes preparing documents for discussion at the Strategic Investment Review Committee (“SIRC”), KK Global Executive Committee (“GEC”), Board of Directors (“BoD”) meetings, and other decision-making committees.
• Lead initiatives to support the ongoing evolution of the GBD team and its members.

2. Coordinate with Corporate Venture Capital

• Under the direction of the Global Head, Business Development (“GBDH”), support corporate venture investing activities.
• Review the current approach to identifying and monitoring corporate investments and work with the GBDH, Chief Business Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and Executive Management team to evolve the KKC investment thesis.

3. Member of GBD Leadership Team (“GBD LT”)

• Act as a member of the GBD Leadership Team.
• Support the GBD team by responding to strategic changes and engaging in continuous improvement of GBD processes in line with industry best practices.
• Work with the GBD LT and broader group to continue to foster a culture of teamwork aligned with KKC core values.

Job Requirements

Education

Relevant Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree (PhD, MSc, MBA, DPhil, JD) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive background in large- or mid-cap pharma/biotech with a proven record of successful deal-making across transaction types.
• Strong global/U.S. biopharma and pharmaceutical industry deal sheet.
• Strong leadership skills and extensive global experience.
• Demonstrated track record of interacting with and influencing C-suite executives.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Non-Technical Skills

• Commitment to Kyowa Kirin Group’s Core Values of Commitment to Life, Innovation, Integrity, and Teamwork/Wa.
• Executive-level verbal and written communication skills.
• High discretion and professionalism in handling confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills and stakeholder relationship management.
• Advanced organizational and multitasking capabilities with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and execute in a timely manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with effective prioritization and deadline management.
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in ambiguous situations.
• Flexibility and resilience in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse business functions and regions, including headquarters in Japan, and with team members at every level of the organization.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and drive consensus while demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences across global teams.
• Strong work ethic with accountability and consistent follow-through.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and development.

Physical Demands

Normal office environment with prolonged sitting and extensive computer work.

Working Conditions

Requires up to 50% domestic and international travel.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary for this position will be $313,700 to $405,900. The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications), job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America, we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 401(k) with company match
• Annual Bonus Program
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule, which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days, and Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs, and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

Equal Employment Opportunity

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions.

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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