Deputy Head Due Diligence

Job Description Summary

The Novartis Corporate & Business Development team is seeking a new Deputy Lead for a cross-functional team of subject matter experts in due diligence (DD) phase of external partnering evaluations. This individual will be accountable to ensure robust, fair balance, and timely scientific / technical DD evaluations and to develop an integrated DD team recommendation.

Location: Cambridge MA, US

LI-#hybrid

 

Job Description

Major Accountabilities:

Drives (as Deputy) an integrated approach for the review, evaluation, and recommendation of BD&L opportunities in close partnership with BD&L / M&A

• Lead / accountable for scientific / technical DD primary evaluation (targeted DD to address key questions) and for the confirmatory DD (in-depth opportunity review) in close partnership with S&E / BD&L Lead / M&A Lead
• Responsible for operational excellence in the set up and conduct of DD (adherence to BD&L process; review of data, development plan / timelines, on site visits etc.)
• Lead / accountable for reporting and communication of scientific / technical DD findings. Ensures fair balance and accuracy.
• Lead / accountable for developing an integrated and aligned risk management plan
• Co-ordinates and chairs DD team review, discussions and recommendation.
• Reports on due diligence progress in collaboration with BDL
• Presents scientific / technical DD findings to management
• Ensures the correct handling of confidential information and compliance with confidential disclosure obligations and ensures the DD teams do the same

Key partner to pharma BD&L / M&A / Commercial (as leads) for overall deal making recommendations

Ensures continuity of scientific / technical input through opportunity evaluation by contributing to early evaluation activities and by leading the critical evaluation, challenge and integration of cross-functional technical inputs in DD phases

Leadership

• Fosters a high-performing team environment
• Provides coaching and leadership to newer and/or less experienced DD Heads and DD team members
• Drives team recommendation based on integrated view on the opportunity with fair balance of opportunities and risks, and with solution focused outlook.
• Ensures professional and positive interactions with the external company
• Raises contentious issues in a manner that drives resolution, and enables others to do the same
• Documents DD team members are trained according to requirements

Requirements:

Education and/or professional experience:

Doctoral or equivalent degree in preferably in life science combined with business management training or experience

Experience / Professional Requirements:         

• Extensive drug development expertise, with 10+ years’ experience in pharma drug development spanning across several disciplines and stages (from research to commercial)
• Past contribution to in-licensing, M&A and due diligence; extensive experience an advantage
• Strong interpersonal and people leadership skills, ability to integrate across functions and organizations to build collaborative relationships
• Advanced planning and tracking skills with attention to detail including experience with project management and tools
• Well-organized, excellent time management with respect to priorities and self-management
• Coaching skills
• Fast action taker, ability to quickly grasp the essence of new projects. Involves the right team members in the right situation at the right time.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills
• Sound judgement of which risks and issues need to be highlighted and properly communicated to (senior) management.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

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