Senior Director, Licensing Officer - Oncology
Bayer
Summary
The Senior Director, Scientific Licensing Officer identifies and advances high-value licensing, acquisition, and strategic collaboration opportunities that support Bayer Pharmaceuticals' Oncology strategy. This role requires deep scientific expertise and Oncology landscape knowledge, strong commercial acumen and business judgment, and exceptional partnering skills. Serving as Bayer's primary external representative to potential partners, the Senior Director evaluates opportunities, presents recommendations to senior leadership and governance committees, and may lead or support relevant transactions.
Job description
Opportunity Screening & Assessment
- Lead technical, clinical, and commercial assessment of Oncology licensing and acquisition opportunities, applying deep scientific and landscape expertise to validate potential and synthesize findings for decision-making.
- Establish and maintain screening processes, coordinating multifunctional input and aligning screening strategy with Oncology stakeholders.
Due Diligence & Governance
- Lead due diligence teams to identify, summarize, and mitigate project risks.
- Present assessments and recommendations to leadership and governance committees to secure approval through term sheet, diligence, and contracting stages, managing stakeholders to build alignment and support.
Transactions
- Potentially participate in or lead (or co-lead) transactions including business case development, valuation, term sheet and contract negotiation, due diligence and transition to alliance management.
External Representation & Partnering
- Serve as Bayer's primary point of contact for potential partners, including representation at partnering and oncology conferences.
- Build and expand external networks across biotech, pharma, investors, and ecosystem partners to proactively source and evaluate opportunities.
Strategic Contribution & Alliances
- Shape and contribute to broader BD&L and therapeutic area strategic initiatives.
- Potentially manage selected alliances to deliver deal value and ensure effective partner governance.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, MS, or equivalent) in life sciences or a related field
- Deep understanding of the Oncology landscape (targets, modalities, market dynamics), emerging science, drug discovery, pharmaceutical R&D, and Oncology drug development (clinical endpoints, standards of care)
- Working knowledge of pharmaceutical licensing processes
- Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills; able to distill complex information and influence at the executive level
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment and drive timely decisions
- Ability to build trust and influence stakeholders across cultures and seniority levels
- Willingness to travel up to 40%
- 15+ years of relevant industry experience
- Equity research experience
- At least 7 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience, including Business Development
- Demonstrated experience leading or supporting search, evaluation and diligence on executed transactions
Benefits
- Health care
- Vision
- Dental
- Retirement
- PTO
- Sick leave
Company overview
Bayer AG is a global life science company with core competencies in healthcare and agriculture, operating as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations. Founded in 1863 and headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, Bayer operates through three primary divisions: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science. The company's pharmaceutical segment focuses on prescription products for cardiology, women's healthcare, oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology, with blockbuster drugs including Xarelto, Eylea, and Nubeqa. Bayer's Consumer Health division markets well-known over-the-counter brands such as Aspirin, Aleve, Claritin, and Bepanthen. The Crop Science division, strengthened by the acquisition of Monsanto, provides seeds, crop protection products, and digital farming solutions. With approximately 92,815 employees worldwide and operations in 80 countries, Bayer is committed to its mission of "Health for all, Hunger for none," driving innovation in medical treatments, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development. The company maintains a strong research and development pipeline, investing heavily in areas like precision medicine, artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, and sustainable agricultural technologies.