Assistant General Counsel – Business Development Transactions Law

Bristol Myers Squibb

. Set and execute the legal strategy for Business Development Transactions .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $290,450 - $351,951 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive legal expertise in Business Development Transactions, including structuring, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements within the biopharmaceutical/life sciences industry. Proven leadership in managing legal teams and driving performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

J.D. Degree15+ Years Legal ExperienceComplex Agreement NegotiationBiopharmaceutical Industry KnowledgeLeadership in Matrixed Environment

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Transaction StructuringLegal Due DiligenceLicensing AgreementsMergers and AcquisitionsCollaboration AgreementsEquity Investment TransactionsDivestiture TransactionsRegulatory ComplianceRisk AssessmentContract Drafting

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingExceptional JudgmentInfluencing SkillsAttention to DetailProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Admission to State Bar

Industry Keywords

BiopharmaceuticalLife SciencesBusiness DevelopmentDeal StructuresCommercialization ModelsLegal StrategyHigh-Value TransactionsSenior Stakeholder EngagementPerformance ManagementContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set and execute the legal strategy for Business Development Transactions
Serve as a senior advisor to Business Development on complex and novel transaction structures
Anticipate deal trends, regulatory developments, and industry dynamics to address legal and business risk
Oversee structuring, drafting, and negotiation of high-value, high-complexity licensing, collaboration, merger and acquisition, equity investment, and divestiture transactions
Own the legal due diligence model, including diligence scope, escalation standards, and coordination with specialist legal teams
Select and manage external counsel, negotiate fees, and manage legal spend
Own the transaction legal support model, including deal intake, staffing, diligence escalation, negotiation standards, and portfolio execution
Lead and develop a team of Business Development Transactions attorneys
Drive performance management and talent development
Manage enterprise-level legal exposure, including escalation and resolution strategy for material disputes
Set the organizational capability agenda, including templates, playbooks, escalation protocols, training, and continuous improvement
Deliver practical legal advice aligned with Bristol Myers Squibb’s mission and values

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. degree and admission to a state bar
Minimum 15 years of legal experience
Experience leading, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements in the biopharmaceutical/life sciences industry
Strong working knowledge of the biopharmaceutical/life sciences industry, including deal structures, development and commercialization models, and the regulatory environment
Track record of leading large, complex, high-risk transactions and advising senior executives
Leadership experience managing senior attorneys and/or managers in a matrixed environment
Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
Exceptional judgment and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate ambiguity
Strong executive presence and communication skills; able to influence and advise senior stakeholders
Strong problem-solving and risk assessment skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in cross-functional, matrixed organizations
High integrity and commitment to BMS values

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefit plans including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance offerings
U.S.-based exempt employees: Flexible Time Off (FTO) without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval
11 paid company holidays each year
Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico: 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires, 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Additional time-off benefits may include paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs
Annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day for eligible employees
Workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support for people with disabilities