Senior Director, International Business Development & External Innovation

The Senior Director of International Business Development and External Innovation at Biogen is responsible for leading the identification and evaluation of growth opportunities outside the U.S., aligning regional strategies with corporate goals, and developing business cases for potential external partnerships. This role also involves leading cross-functional teams in due diligence processes and presenting proposals to senior management.

To be considered for the Senior Director position at Biogen, candidates should possess an advanced degree such as an MBA, Ph.D., or MD, alongside a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in biopharma. Candidates should have a strong background in international business development, particularly outside of the U.S., and a comprehensive understanding of multiple therapeutic areas.

Biogen emphasizes a culture of inclusion and belonging, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives bring to the company. The organization is committed to building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired, ultimately enhancing creativity and innovation as they work towards delivering life-changing medicines.

Essential strategic skills for the Senior Director role at Biogen include strong strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to influence senior stakeholders. Candidates should be adept at developing complex assessments and recommendations for pursuing external opportunities, as well as understanding the clinical and commercial landscapes.

The Senior Director will work from Baar, Switzerland, under Biogen's hybrid HR policy. This typically means balancing time between working on-site and remotely, providing flexibility while maintaining collaboration and engagement with team members across various regions.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences in identifying and evaluating opportunities outside the U.S. Discuss your involvement in partnerships or acquisitions, illustrating how you aligned strategies between corporate and regional teams.

Emphasize your interpersonal skills and your understanding of cultural differences. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders to promote business interests, showcasing your ability to foster strong professional relationships.

Share your analytical approach, including how you conduct market research, assess competition, and develop comprehensive business cases. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams to ensure thorough evaluations.

Discuss a specific instance where you presented a compelling case to senior management. Explain the strategic rationale you used and how you addressed any concerns, ensuring that the proposal aligned with their corporate objectives.

Articulate the complexities of varying regulations, market landscapes, or cultural nuances in different regions. Highlight how you overcome these challenges, leveraging your strategic insights and flexibility to drive successful outcomes.

Mention your approach to continuous learning, which might include attending industry conferences, engaging with networks, and reading relevant publications. Emphasize how you apply this knowledge to identify potential business development opportunities.

Explain that cross-functional teams bring diverse expertise to the table, ensuring comprehensive evaluations of opportunities. Speak on your experience leading such teams and the importance of collaboration in achieving strategic objectives.

Use this opportunity to showcase your leadership skills and the impact of the deal on the organization. Detail the negotiation process, the key players involved, and the outcome, underscoring your strategic input.

Discuss your framework for assessing and ranking opportunities based on strategic alignment, potential impact, and resource availability. Provide examples of how you've successfully made decisions under pressure.

Highlight key qualities such as strategic foresight, relationship management, industry knowledge, and the ability to drive consensus among stakeholders. Discuss how these factors can significantly contribute to achieving Biogen's business objectives.