Senior Director, Business Development

Company Description
Zymeworks is a publicly listed (NASDAQ:ZYME) clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a diverse pipeline of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics to improve the standard of care for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. Zymeworks' suite of complementary therapeutic platforms and its fully-integrated drug development engine provide the flexibility and compatibility to precisely engineer and develop antibody-based therapeutic candidates. We are a global company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with operations in Bellevue, WA, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore. 

Why Work With Us

Nothing is more critical to our success than the quality of our team. The work we do is meaningful and impactful - we care about each other as well as the patients we serve. We offer challenging career opportunities, competitive benefits and an environment that recognizes and rewards performance.

This role can be remote or report into our Bellevue WA or Vancouver BC locations

How You'll Contribute

This position serves as a key member of the business development transactions team, reporting to the Acting Chief Development Officer.  This person will act as the deal architect and lead negotiator (deal structuring, term sheet, contract negotiations) for partnering opportunities strategically aligned with corporate initiatives. The position will also be responsible for presenting analyses to internal team members and senior management team members.

What You'll Do

• Structure and negotiate complex partnership agreements including licensing deals, co-development collaborations, platform technology agreements, and research collaborations.
• Work cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, R&D, and Commercial teams to develop deal terms, financial models, and negotiation strategies.
• Lead due diligence processes, coordinating with technical, regulatory, and legal teams to address partner inquiries.
• Drive negotiations to achieve optimal economic terms while maintaining strategic alignment and relationship quality with alignment from Sr. Leadership. 
• Identify and resolve issues promptly, gather and analyze information skillfully, escalate to senior management quickly.
• Facilitate decision making process at key governance deal committees by preparing comprehensive presentations/memos.
• Proactively monitor the external business environment and maintain a knowledge base of licensing transactions and other companies partnering activities.
• Build and continuously strengthen broad industry network to facilitate deal making.
• Maintains relationship with partners through alliance management activities post deal.
• Represents the company at scientific, investor and partnering conferences.
• Leads through example to establish an environment fostering effective and collaborative working relationships. 

What You'll Bring

• Post-graduate degree (business/relevant scientific discipline (Pharm D, MD, PhD) and a minimum of 10 years’ related experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A record of accomplishment in business development, preferably with sell-side experience in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
• Expertise building detailed valuation models and presentations that incorporate all research findings and recommendations and experience with term sheet and contract negotiations.
• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a cross-functional team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent deliverables and work effectively in a challenging, milestone-driven environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to manage, develop and empower employees and teams.
• Experience leading strategic planning processes/initiatives in a complex cross-functional environment with and without direct authority. 
• Ability to think and act strategically, anticipate road-blocks and map out next steps.
• Successful track record in business development in a leading role: developing, negotiating and securing creative licensing, partnership and acquisition deals from initial terms to deal closure while ensuring deals are “win-win”.
• A strong understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, drug development process and trends, competitor landscape and business strategy.
• Outstanding skills in competitive analysis and opportunity identification.
• Demonstrated high level of integrity and ethics.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage concurrent deliverables and work effectively in a challenging, milestone-driven environment.
• Results-oriented with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence senior leaders and clearly articulate strategic objectives. 

Total Rewards

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes competitive salaries, generous benefits, an outstanding work environment, and excellent opportunities for professional growth. We regularly benchmark our compensation against leading biotechnology companies in our geographies. 

The base salary range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the location for which the job is posted and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors and the salary offered may vary depending on the successful candidate’s location and qualifications (including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, education, training, skills, and experience).

Our total rewards package that includes: 

• Industry leading vacation and paid time off
• Exceptional medical, dental and vision benefits by country
• Zymelife health and wellness benefits
• Matching RRSP / 401K / Pension program
• Employee Share Purchase Program
• Employee Equity Program
• Paid time off to volunteer in your community

This role is not eligible for relocation or immigration support. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.

NOTE TO AGENCIES:  Zymeworks values our relationships with our recruiting partners. We only accept resumes from those partners who have been contracted with us. Zymeworks is not responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited or are received without contract.