Vice President, Business Development 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”) Lead is a senior Global Business Development (“GBD”) position focused on creating and maximizing value for Kyowa Kirin (“KK”) through strategic partnerships with external collaborators, reporting to the Global Head of Business Development.

The role will focus on global and regional business development activities, including mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), in- and out-licensing, alliances and partnerships, local distribution or co-promotion arrangements, and other BD initiatives and transaction structures.

The candidate will build networks in collaboration with Strategy, Franchise, Regional, Functional, and GBD teams; manage internal and external stakeholder relationships; and lead or support regional and global BD activities, including third-party relationship development, transaction teams, and the structuring and negotiation of deal terms through conclusion.

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 search, evaluation, partnering, and transaction activities.

The role also 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/Regional Search, Evaluation, and Transactional Activity

• Collaborate with Franchise teams, the Global Product Strategy Department (“GPSD”), GBD Search & Evaluation, Transaction, Corporate Venture Capital (“CVC”) and Alliance Excellence teams, and Open Innovation (“OI”) team members to develop global and regional partnering and licensing objectives.
• Identify and source potential partner companies, focusing on selected rare disease therapy areas (“TA”) and/or disease biology areas aligned with GBD leadership and enterprise portfolio strategy across multiple modalities, such as cell and gene therapies.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities in collaboration with relevant functions, coordinating due diligence, development plan structuring, business feasibility assessments, and related activities.
• Lead global or multi-region BD projects, such as the in-license or acquisition of global or multi-regional rights to strategic assets, or full company acquisitions as appropriate.
• Lead and support global/regional contract negotiations with partners across a spectrum of transaction types.
• Coordinate with and guide global CVC, OI, and Research groups on investment opportunities, including evaluation, structuring, and transactional aspects of technology licensing.
• 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 and 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.

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

• Serve as a senior member of the GBD LT, driving global as well as North America and EMEA BD activity and third-party relationship development.
• Support the transaction component of BD projects, when needed, through transaction consummation.
• Support the GBD team by responding to strategic changes and engaging in continuous improvement of GBD processes in line with industry best practices.
• Lead initiatives to support the ongoing evolution of the GBD team and its members.
• Work with the GBD LT and broader group to continue to foster a culture of teamwork aligned with KK core values.

Subordinates

Individual Contributor

Job Requirements

Education

Relevant Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred, including PhD, MSc, MBA, DPhil, or JD.

Experience

• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive Business Development experience in the biopharma/pharmaceutical industry.
• Significant leadership experience and executive-level transaction ownership.
• Demonstrated record of successful deal-making across transaction types and a strong global deal sheet.
• Scientific knowledge or previous experience with discovery/research and clinical-stage programs in rare disease, nephrology, oncology, and/or immunology.

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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