Director, Transactions
Director, Transactions
Introduction to role
The Business Development Operations (BDO) team at AstraZeneca is a dedicated unit that seeks out value-enhancing business development opportunities that align with our strategic goals and commercial capabilities. These transactions include alliances, licenses, and strategic acquisitions to bolster our portfolio and pipeline in key therapy areas, as well as externalisation activities to streamline our focus and accelerate pipeline value. Additionally, we engage in Precision Medicine and Genomics (PMG) collaborations to support our precision medicine initiatives.
As a Transaction Director, you will work closely with the Transaction Lead and customers to support all aspects of major transactions or lead smaller yet significant opportunities. You will ensure effective intra-team communication and process compliance throughout the transaction process. You will handle a variety of projects, engaging with prospective partners, negotiating and finalizing contracts, and collaborating with the Evaluation Director or Corporate Development counterparts as needed. Flexibility across all AstraZeneca therapy areas is essential.
ou will lead multi-functional teams in progressing transactions, developing business cases, and presenting them to senior management. Strong judgment and decision-making skills are crucial for advancing or terminating transactions. Success in this role requires proven project management skills without direct authority, effective stakeholder management, and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
Accountabilities
For material transactions, act as Project Manager in support of Transaction Leads as required.
Lead individual workstreams within transaction teams as required by the Transaction Lead.
Collate comments on agreements under negotiation from internal parties (e.g., Finance, Legal, IP).
Lead meaningful transactions from inception through to final negotiation of terms, with supervision and coaching support as needed.
Produce tailored collaboration agreements from templates and liaise with the Legal Department to ensure agreements are fit for purpose.
Support cross-functional transaction teams in developing AstraZeneca preferred terms for each Agreement.
Manage key stakeholders, secure relevant approvals, and provide timely updates on deal progress.
Open and maintain appropriate records in AstraZeneca’s deal database (ECHO) and upload decision support documentation as appropriate.
Support the Transaction Lead on material transactions or lead own transactions, ensuring effective handover to relevant Alliance Manager.
Conduct thorough deal learning reviews and share learnings across the BD deal-making community.
Initiate, lead, and manage re-negotiations and terminations as necessary.
Promote AstraZeneca externally as the preferred partner by responding promptly to external requests for information and proactively making contacts, attending conferences, and seminars.
Contribute to the sharing of best practices.
Essential Skills/Experience
Higher level degree
Pharmaceutical industry experience
Project management experience with proven ability to manage cross-functional teams without authority
Awareness of the latest trends in deal structures and funding opportunities
Financial, legal, and/or scientific acumen preferred
Proven ability to work under significant pressure and deliver to tight timelines
Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
Understanding of internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs
First-class collaborative and networking skills
Desirable Skills/Experience
Second degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline
Good knowledge of disease areas, drug development activities, and commercial processes
Knowledge of the vaccines and immune therapies area
At AstraZeneca, you will join a talented global team that drives our mission to better serve patients every day. We leverage new technology and digital innovations to accelerate our evolution and make a significant impact on patients' lives. Our dynamic environment fosters creativity, smart risks, and high performance. With countless opportunities for growth, you will build an unrivalled reputation while being rewarded for your contributions.
Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to join our team!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.
