Executive Director of Business Development and Licensing (BD&L) / Executive Director of Business Development and Licensing (BD&L)

Job ID: REQ-10055143

Location: Switzerland

Date Posted: Jun 24, 2025

Summary

We are a dedicated team united by a drive to deliver significant value to Novartis. In this role, you will partner with the BD&L Partnering Therapeutic Area Head to negotiate and secure BD&L deals within a specific therapeutic area, such as Oncology, across all stages of development—from research to commercial stage and across various geographies. You will serve as the deal architect and lead negotiator, responsible for deal structuring, term sheet creation, and contract negotiations for partnering opportunities aligned with growth initiatives.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide outstanding partnering and project management throughout the entire deal-making process to secure and implement attractive deals.
• Develop partnering structures tailored to the profile of each envisioned collaboration.
• Propose deal terms and negotiation strategies to the BD&L Transaction Head.
• Drive contributions from various functions to develop robust business cases and derive clear recommendations.
• Identify and resolve issues promptly, analyze information effectively, and escalate to senior management as needed.
• Collaborate closely with the Therapeutic Area Leadership team (Research, Development, Commercial, Strategy Heads) to understand key partnering priorities, ensure alignment, and proactively communicate project updates.
• Facilitate decision-making processes at key governance deal committees by preparing comprehensive presentations and memos.
• Proactively monitor the external business environment, maintaining a knowledge base of licensing transactions and other companies' partnering activities.
• Build and continuously strengthen a broad industry network to facilitate deal-making.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

Essential Requirements:

• A proven track record in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and closing various types of partnerships.
• Extensive experience in Business Development or Investment Banking with a broad network in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors.
• A demonstrated history of leading international, global, cross-functional teams, and strategic corporate initiatives.
• Exhibit innovation and creativity in previous roles, showcasing a curious mindset.
• Proficiency in English is required—both verbal and written, along with strong negotiation skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• A relevant degree, PhD, or advanced degree in the biological sciences, plus an MBA or similar advanced degree.
• Experience in the Oncology Therapeutic Area within the BD&L space.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require assistance due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, please email inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com with your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Benefits and Rewards

To learn about all the ways we’ll support your personal and professional growth, please refer to our handbook.

Why Novartis?

Helping people with diseases and their families requires more than innovative science; it requires a community of smart, passionate individuals like you. By collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other, we can achieve breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Are you ready to create a brighter future together?

Join Our Novartis Network

If this is not the right role for you at Novartis, consider signing up for our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as they arise: Join our Talent Network.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Company Details

Division: Strategy & Growth

Business Unit: Universal Hierarchy Node

Company / Legal Entity: Novartis Pharma AG

Employment Type: Full time, Regular

Location: Basel (City), Switzerland

Novartis is committed to building an exceptional, inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the patients and communities we serve.