Business Development & Licensing Director, Cardio Renal, CSL Vifor

Summary of Role

Reporting to the Senior Director Global Business Development and Licensing, this role is responsible, on a global basis, for business development and licensing activities for the CSL product portfolio.This includes leading cross-functional, global and regional diligence and deal teams, and negotiating license and distribution agreements aligned with CSL’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Leadership of search and evaluation activities for the CSL’s R&D and commercial portfolio with a focus on CSL Vifor's cardiorenal product porfolio

• Develop strategies for potential external opportunities, internal projects and for technologies to drive strategically-aligned business growth

• In cooperation with CSL Business Units and Business Development leadership, identify and assess business development, licensing and M&A opportunities that deliver on strategic plans and drive shareholder value

• Provide licensing and strategic guidance during the new product evaluation process

• Represent CSL at medical and industry meetings aligned with CSL’s commercial growth strategy.

• Working with the Senior Director, Global Business Development, lead the continued evolution and implementation of CSL strategic plan for R&D and commercial development of the business, developing strategies, priorities, and action plans and present to senior leadership for their endorsement. 

• Oversee and lead the evaluation of R&D and or commercial-stage strategic business opportunities for CSL Vifor and CSL Seqirus as required

• Build a network of connections in the biopharmaceutical and venture capital (VC) communities

Lead due diligence efforts

• Lead senior, global and regional cross-functional diligence teams, defining, framing and tracking due diligence activities to answer critical questions for specified commercial business development opportunities

• Ensure quality and rigor of the diligence processes

• Work with global functions to ensure due diligence and deal teams are appropriately staffed with high quality team members with the relevant expertise from around the global organisation

• Direct distillation of diligence findings into a format and a level of detail that can be presented to, and absorbed by senior executives and the Board

• Present or coordinate presentation to senior executive teams of key findings and recommendations that emerge from diligence findings including risk mitigation strategies

• Ensure CSL is seen as good partner and the relationship with the other party is collaborative and positive during diligence process

Lead  licensing and distribution agreement negotiations

• Manage and lead agreement drafting, negotiation, and deal closure, on a global and regional basis for CSL’s R&D and commercial licensing activities and for other areas as allocated by the Senior Director, Global Business Development.

• Develop asset valuations, term sheets, deal structures and overall strategies to maximise value for CSL and to fit with strategic needs

• Lead in-licensing of new product opportunities and technologies and out-licensing / partnering of CSL projects / technologies that require a partner or distributor

• In addition to licenses, lead negotiations on a range of agreements including, research collaboration, option, material transfer, device/development and other agreements as required

• Responsible for communicating diligence findings, key contract terms and team recommendations.  Ensure internal alignment and deal approvals by providing appropriate information to relevant members of senior management teams as required

• Be a positive advocate for strategically aligned deals, while faithfully reporting the issues and challenges

Accountability for financial modelling output to support deal valuation

• Provide or coordinate robust and validated modelling assumptions to support the deal valuation, and ensure alignment with relevant functional areas such as Research, Clinical, IP, Commercial and Finance

• Challenge and validate modelling assumptions provided by the functions

• Presentation of compelling strategic business cases to senior management for approval

• In collaboration with the CSL’s innovation management, drive external innovation initiatives to expand CSL’s partnering network

• Develop and implement partnership frameworks to position CSL as a preferred partner

• Advocate and promote the role of licensing and demonstrate the value-add to internal stakeholders

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• At least 7 years of business development and licensing experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry

• Track record in leading transactions end-to-end (licensing, acquisitions, divestments)

• Graduate qualifications in a health-related discipline, preferably a bioscience degree

• Post graduate qualification in business is highly desirable  

• Good knowledge of cardiology and nephrology is an advantage

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Attributes

• Ability to lead and work with limited management guidance, as this position reports into Senior Director of Business Development who may be based in another jurisdiction

• Ability to think strategically and from a global perspective

• Ability to lead cross-functional global project teams and be a productive member of multi-functional teams, with focus on outcomes

• Ability to concurrently manage multiple projects

• Strong business acumen and understanding of the business and its strategy and processes. Sound scientific understanding of the drug development process

• Excellent planning, organising and prioritising skills

• Established industry networks and the ability to sustain and develop professional relationships

• Excellent knowledge, experience and a track record in negotiating agreements, including deal structuring

• Tolerance of ambiguity and the ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to changing role requirements

• Ability to understand and interpret complex data and situations

• Strong team leader and team player with a focus on outcomes

• Strong analytical skills, and ability to undertake, manage or direct financial modelling and project and deal valuation

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong presentation skills

Our Benefits

CSL Seqirus employees that work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for benefits effective day 1. We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. CSL Seqirus offers resources and benefits, from health care to financial protection, so you can focus on doing work that matters. Our benefits are designed to support the needs of our employees at every stage of their life. Whether you are considering starting a family, need help paying for emergency back up care or summer camp, looking for mental health resources, planning for your financial future, or supporting your favorite charity with a matching contribution, CSL Seqirus has many benefits to help achieve your goals.

Please take the time to review our benefits site to see what’s available to you as a CSL Seqirus employee.

About CSL Seqirus

CSL Seqirus is part of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world, CSL Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. Learn more about CSL Seqirus .

We want CSL Seqirus to reflect the world around us

As a global organization with employees in 35+ countries, CSL embraces diversity and inclusion. Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at CSL Seqirus.

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