China Search & Evaluation Director - Inflammation & Immunology

The China Strategy & Business Development (SBD) department is part of Sanofi Partnering, a Global Enabling Function within the Sanofi Group. The mission of China BD is to seek and execute external growth initiatives to support the Sanofi Group’s strategic priorities to support both the China-for-China mandate as well as the China-for-Global objectives.  The key activities of China BD are the search, evaluation, structuring, negotiation and closing of strategic alliances with Chinese companies, involving products, product-related assets, and platforms.

About Job

As Director, China Search and Evaluation, for the Inflammation & Immunology (I&I) therapeutic area, the individual will be expected to contribute to the strategy and execution of the business development roadmap from China for I&I and prioritization of activities. In addition to establishing a strong and trusted representative with China external parties in the I&I area, the position requires accountability for close relationships and coordination with BD colleagues and I&I stakeholders in China and in Global.

Principal Job Duties

• Search and Evaluation: The individual will be part of a China S&E team dedicated to external search and evaluation initiatives for the Inflammation & Immunology Therapeutic Area in China including opportunity identification and in-depth technical assessment with Global Research, Development, Commercial experts and other appropriate stakeholders in China.
• Strategic contribution: The individual will play a key role in supporting the China-for-Global and China-for-China I&I partnering strategy, including leadership for landscaping and competitive intelligence exercises in China. In each case the individual will help drive alignment with cross-function China team and with the Global team.
• Due Diligence China lead: The individual will also lead multi-disciplinary teams for China-for-China deals through formal due diligence and act as the main connection point with the potential external partner. For China-for-global deals they will work with the Global S&E lead for the due diligence. They will also be responsible for driving due diligence through the internal governance boards prior to deal signing.
• Active deal projects: The individual will (i) identify and propose attractive deal opportunities, (ii) ensure high quality project leadership and management (iii) align resources and decision making throughout the deal process in collaboration with Business Development transactions colleagues and (iv)provide input/guidance to optimal scientific deal structures and inflection points, minimizing contractual risk.
• Portfolio management: As a key member of the BD team the individual will help be responsible for helping manage the China S&E portfolio, updating leadership.

About You

• PhD and/or MD degree(s) in Immunology, ideally in combination with demonstrated clinical development experience in dermatology, GI disorders and/or respiratory disease.
• Extensive scientific experience, preferably obtained through > 8-year experience in multiple functions in the biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry. Outstanding scientific excellence in Inflammation & Immunology demonstrated by strong publication record, as well as discovery and early clinical development expertise in I&I
• Extensive connection in the China biotech ecosystem
• Extensive experience in search & evaluation, business development or academic technology transfer
• Previous experience of running complex evaluations of clinical stage assets
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
• Deep commitment and track record of high performance demonstrated in all aspects of work.
• Solid fluency in English – verbal and written.

Core Competencies:

• The ideal candidate has deep experience and knowledge of drug discovery and early clinical development activities, with an excellent understanding of all aspects of preclinical drug discovery
• Strategic thinking, clarity of thought, strong multi-tasking, organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent networking ability in cross-cultural environments inside and outside Sanofi. Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated experience in communication project proposals and business plans to senior stakeholders.
• Negotiation skills across all levels of the organization and with external parties.
• Excellent problem-solving, conflict-resolution, decision-making and cross-functional leadership skills in highly matrixed environments. High ethical standards, data-centric objective mindset, attention to detail, comfortable with resolution of ambiguity, poise under pressure and the ability to influence without authority.
• Ability to represent Sanofi in external scientific/academic world and to act as an ambassador for Sanofi at scientific and business conferences.
• Willingness to travel nationally/internationally as needed.