Director, Business Development

Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial stage U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative therapies to patients living with rare diseases. Recognized for its deep commitment to the rare disease community, Sentynl leverages its global operations as well as its parent organization, Zydus Group, to advance the development, manufacturing, and delivery of transformative treatments to patients who need them in numerous countries worldwide. Sentynl is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and access while upholding the highest ethical standards and operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidelines.

To support its latest acquisitions and identify new opportunities, Sentynl is searching for a Director, Business Development .

Position Summary:

The Director of Business Development will be responsible for leading the search, identification, evaluation, negotiation, and execution of licensing and acquisition opportunities that expand Sentynl’s rare disease portfolio. This role requires significant financial acumen, deep transaction experience, and the ability to lead cross-functional diligence and deal execution processes. The Director will partner closely with Commercial, Regulatory, Medical, Market Access, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure disciplined evaluation and successful integration of strategic transactions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute proactive global search strategies aligned with Sentynl’s rare disease growth priorities.
• Source and cultivate relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, venture groups, and investment banks.
• Plan and represent Sentynl at partnering meetings and industry conferences (e.g., BIO, JPM, Jefferies).
• Maintain and prioritize a dynamic pipeline of licensing, M&A, and acquisition opportunities.

Deal Assessment & Valuation

• Lead cross-functional evaluation of clinical, regulatory, commercial, and market access potential.
• Develop robust financial models including NPV, rNPV, IRR, and peak sales forecasts.
• Conduct competitive landscape assessments, qualitative research, and market evaluations.
• Prepare executive-level presentations and investment materials.
• Lead cross-functional due diligence teams across Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, IP, Commercial, and Access, including teams in India to ensure corporate alignment and process efficiency
• Identify key value drivers and risk factors and synthesize findings into structured diligence reports.
• Develop and negotiate term sheets and definitive agreements including upfronts, milestones, royalties, and territory rights.
• Partner with Legal and Finance to structure and finalize transactions.
• Support post-deal integration planning and alliance transition.
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership to refine long-term portfolio strategy.
• Evaluate lifecycle management, geographic expansion, and strategic fit of assets.
• Monitor rare disease BD trends, valuation benchmarks, and competitive deal activity.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, Advanced degree (MBA, MPH, PharmD, or PhD) preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years in business development, corporate development, licensing, or strategic finance roles. Direct experience negotiating and executing licensing or acquisition transactions is required. Rare disease or specialty pharma experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, valuation methodologies (NPV, rNPV, DCF), and deal structuring.
• Strong negotiation skills and executive presence.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Must have advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office; particularly Excel.
• Excellent project management skills with demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects.
• A confident self-starter, who can work independently and creatively but also be a team player.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and project management skills; ability to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated space in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• The preferred candidate will be local to the San Diego, CA office or willing to relocate. However, we will also consider a remote working arrangement.
• Given global nature of this role and dynamic nature of deal processes, email responses, and meetings outside of normal business hours should be expected on a semi-regular basis (including weekends and occasional holidays).
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Normal office conditions.
• Routine travel will be required between various locations in the US and occasional international travel. Up to 30% travel.

Core Values & Competencies

Time Management

• Completes assignments and projects accurately and on time
• Sets clear and achievable long- and short-term goals
• Shows ability to prioritize between urgent and important tasks

Compliance

• Alignment with company Code of Conduct
• Ensures regulatory conformance
• Adherence to international standards
• Mutual trust
• Shared accountability

Problem Solving

• Results oriented
• Analytical thinking and root cause identification
• Critical thinking

Engagement

• Alignment with company values
• Displays genuine interest in the job

Motivation/Teamwork

• Acts as a trustworthy team member
• Demonstrates dependability in all situations
• Shows resiliency and maintains a positive attitude in all situations

Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. offers a competitive salary program and an attractive benefits package that includes:

• The base salary for the Director of Business Development will be $180K to $230K.
• Company paid Life Insurance, Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability
• 401(k) plan with a generous employer match
• Unlimited PTO – based upon our trust of employees to manage their work schedule and mutual agreement between the employee and their manager.

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