Senior Director Business Development

Job description

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Please note that this position can be based in San Diego, CA, or in Princeton, NJ. Acadia’s hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director Business Development will work collaboratively with a variety of company functions including External Innovation (Acadia’s R&D Search and Evaluation team), Commercial, Legal, and Finance as well as external resources to identify and evaluate external assets to support and enhance the Acadia portfolio. Responsibilities include leading a team and working with Executive management to implement corporate Business Development (BD) strategies.  Targeted transactions will take the form of in-licensing, asset acquisitions, strategic collaborations and company acquisitions so need a strong deal sheet and track record of identifying and completing transactions in the biopharma industry.  This position reports to the Vice President, Business Development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Effectively manages the transaction process (approach, opportunity assessment, due diligence, valuation, deal negotiations, deal structuring, internal governance processes, closing process and integration planning for key initiatives). Develop a solid business case for each transaction.
• Drives search efforts to identify business development acquisition or in-licensing opportunities.
• Performs in-depth evaluations, interpreting competitive landscape and analysis of financial data.
• Assembles and effectively utilizes internal and external resources (as necessary) to ensure adequate support for each transaction
• Works closely with the senior business development leadership to lead and/or assist in developing negotiation strategies.
• Works with Finance to create forecasting and deal evaluation models.
• Works with Legal to draft and negotiate contracts for transactions
• Role supports and coordinates all deal-related activities for potential transactions.  The External Innovation and Commercial teams lead the scientific and commercial assessments, which are incorporated into the overall deal package by BD.
• Maintains awareness and knowledge of product strategy to assess fit of potential candidates.
• Stays abreast of emerging healthcare & pharmaceutical industry trends and assess their potential impact on business strategies.
• Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with biopharma companies, venture capitalists, investment bankers, and industry executives

Education/Experience/Skills:

• Educational background in a scientific discipline is preferred, while an advanced scientific degree e.g. PhD is highly preferred.  A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience within Business Development or investment banking with a focus on in-licensing or acquisition of therapeutics/companies in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.  A combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered.  Prior experience within neurology and/or rare disease therapeutic areas is strongly preferred.
• Substantial and varied transaction as well as negotiation experience.
• Plays a key role leading and supporting numerous in-licensing, out-licensing, strategic collaboration, commercial alliance and acquisition transactions.
• Possesses robust experience identifying, negotiating and closing transactions.
• Scientific knowledge of industry sub-segments of CNS, Neurology or Orphan/Rare disease as well as industry functional areas of R&D, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs.
• Proven ability to lead in a complex matrix environment with and without direct authority.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in direct and cross-functional roles.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to get to the right level of granularity to balance speed of execution and facilitate optimal decision-making by executive management.
• Excellent financial analysis and research skills and ability to translate analyses into sound strategic recommendations.
• Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry trends.
• Ability to work in a results-oriented, project-driven, real-time team environment, prioritize projects and deliver quality results within tight time constraints.
• Ability to think strategically as well as to act tactically.
• Ability to connect with people and work multi-culturally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation skills and MS Office Suite and database skills.
• Ability to travel extensively within and outside of the U.S.

Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs.

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In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range

$235,000—$275,000 USD

What we offer US-based Employees:

• Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
• 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
• 15+ vacation days
• 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
• 10 days of paid sick time
• Paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition assistance

EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at [email protected] or 858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.

Canadian Applicants: Please seeAdditional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.

Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.

Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.