Licensing and Business Development Director

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

. Identify, cultivate, and execute external partnerships aligned with Life Science and portfolio strategies .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts • United StatesLead💰 $167,500 - $251,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic partnership development and negotiation, with a strong focus on deal closure and financial analysis. Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and navigate complex contract negotiations in the life sciences sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Biology Or Chemistry10+ Years Industry Experience In Corporate DevelopmentDeal Closure Of Single Deals Valuing >=10M USDStrong Negotiation SkillsFinancial Acumen And Business Case Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic Partnership DevelopmentDeal NegotiationContract FundamentalsIn-Licensing AgreementsOut-Licensing AgreementsCo-Development AgreementsFinancial AnalysisDCF ModelingBusiness Development & LicensingRevenue Target Achievement

Soft Skills

Strong Networking SkillsPresentation Skills Targeted To C-SuiteAbility To Operate Amid Ambiguity

Certifications & Qualifications

MBA

Industry Keywords

Life SciencesPartnership StrategiesMatrixed EnvironmentIP ProtectionsVenture Capital

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, cultivate, and execute external partnerships aligned with Life Science and portfolio strategies
Source and manage a broad network of partners
Develop a robust pipeline of strategic partnership and licensing opportunities
Contribute toward annual revenue and margin targets
Scout partners and evaluate, negotiate, draft, and execute deals and contracts
Manage deal types including co-development, in-licensing, out-licensing, distribution, co-marketing, OEM, and research collaborations
Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders including R&D, legal, product management, regulatory, and quality
Perform additional business-related tasks to support team objectives and operational efficiency
Travel, including international travel, up to 30% of the time

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Biology or Chemistry
10+ years industry experience in corporate development, strategic partnerships (non-sales), or BD&L
Demonstrated deal closure of single deals valuing >=10M USD+ 10Y NPV
Deal sheet required as attachment to application
Proven experience negotiating complex deals
Solid understanding of contract fundamentals
Strong negotiation skills
Experience negotiating in-licensing, out-licensing, distribution, and co-development agreements
Financial acumen and ability to build and defend financial analyses and business cases, including DCFs, for consumables and digital assets
Strong networking and intelligence gathering skills
Ability to operate as an individual contributor amid ambiguity, shifting priorities, and limited resources
Strong presentation skills targeted to C-suite audiences
External applicants must be eligible to work in the US
Preferred: MBA
Preferred: Experience in a matrixed environment
Preferred: Understanding of IP protections, contract negotiations, and Venture Capital
Preferred: German or French proficiency

Benefits

Comp & perks

Sales or performance-based bonuses may be available
Health insurance
Paid time off (PTO)
Retirement contributions
Other perquisites
Opportunities to develop and grow at your own pace
Culture of inclusion and belonging