Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law
Bristol Myers Squibb, Madison, NJ, United States
Position Summary
The Counsel, Business Development Transactions Legal position provides legal counsel, guidance, and transactional support to Bristol Myers Squibb's business development organization. This role is suited for a transactional attorney capable of drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements, identifying and escalating significant legal and business issues, and delivering pragmatic, service-oriented legal counsel aligned with BMS's values. The primary focus of this position is to provide legal counsel to Alliance Management for completed business development agreements—including licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership arrangements. Responsibilities include post‑execution contract support; advising on rights and obligations, governance, and compliance; and supporting dispute‑related matters throughout the lifecycle of BMS alliances. Additionally, this role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, amendments and other complex agreements.
Key Responsibilities
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, amendments, consents, waivers, and termination notices to support BMS' business development organization.
Provide legal counsel to business development on agreement management, including interpretation of rights and obligations under existing agreements and advising on governance, decision‑making, compliance, and operational execution.
Support the transition of newly executed transactions to Alliance Management, including knowledge transfer, contract summaries, and governance setup.
Support the identification, escalation, and resolution of disputes and related disagreements in existing agreements, including pre‑litigation counseling.
Develop and deliver training programs, playbooks, and practical guidance for Alliance Management and cross‑functional partnering teams to strengthen organizational capabilities and promote consistent, effective partnership management practices.
Oversee and manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring the provision of high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective legal support aligned with business needs.
Monitor developments in contract law, relevant regulations, and industry best practices, and help ensure that alliance activities remain compliant with applicable legal and policy requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
J.D. degree and admission to a state bar.
At least 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on business development, licensing, collaboration, and/or corporate transactions.
Solid understanding of the bio‑pharmaceutical/life sciences industry.
Strong contract interpretation, analytical, and drafting skills.
Sound judgment and ability to identify when escalation is required.
Experience supporting Alliance Management or post‑execution contract management preferred.
Ability to manage multiple alliance matters in a matrixed environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner effectively with Alliance Managers.
High integrity and commitment to BMS values.
Compensation Overview
Cambridge Crossing $222,250 - $269,314
Madison – Giralda – NJ – US $202,050 – $244,831
Princeton – NJ – US $202,050 – $244,831
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full‑time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job‑related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Benefits
Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
Wellbeing Support Programs such as BMS Well‑Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Financial Well‑being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work‑Life Benefits
US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval), 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees).
Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non‑Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
Additional time off may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs, and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part‑time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
Eligibility for the summer hours program is limited to U.S. office‑based employees. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area. If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit California Residents Page for important additional information. BMS is committed to equal opportunity employment for all.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. For accommodations or adjustments in completing this application, direct inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit EEO Accessibility for our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at Data Privacy Protection . Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Counsel, Business Development Transactions Legal position provides legal counsel, guidance, and transactional support to Bristol Myers Squibb's business development organization. This role is suited for a transactional attorney capable of drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements, identifying and escalating significant legal and business issues, and delivering pragmatic, service-oriented legal counsel aligned with BMS's values. The primary focus of this position is to provide legal counsel to Alliance Management for completed business development agreements—including licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership arrangements. Responsibilities include post‑execution contract support; advising on rights and obligations, governance, and compliance; and supporting dispute‑related matters throughout the lifecycle of BMS alliances. Additionally, this role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, amendments and other complex agreements.
Key Responsibilities
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, amendments, consents, waivers, and termination notices to support BMS' business development organization.
Provide legal counsel to business development on agreement management, including interpretation of rights and obligations under existing agreements and advising on governance, decision‑making, compliance, and operational execution.
Support the transition of newly executed transactions to Alliance Management, including knowledge transfer, contract summaries, and governance setup.
Support the identification, escalation, and resolution of disputes and related disagreements in existing agreements, including pre‑litigation counseling.
Develop and deliver training programs, playbooks, and practical guidance for Alliance Management and cross‑functional partnering teams to strengthen organizational capabilities and promote consistent, effective partnership management practices.
Oversee and manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring the provision of high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective legal support aligned with business needs.
Monitor developments in contract law, relevant regulations, and industry best practices, and help ensure that alliance activities remain compliant with applicable legal and policy requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
J.D. degree and admission to a state bar.
At least 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on business development, licensing, collaboration, and/or corporate transactions.
Solid understanding of the bio‑pharmaceutical/life sciences industry.
Strong contract interpretation, analytical, and drafting skills.
Sound judgment and ability to identify when escalation is required.
Experience supporting Alliance Management or post‑execution contract management preferred.
Ability to manage multiple alliance matters in a matrixed environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner effectively with Alliance Managers.
High integrity and commitment to BMS values.
Compensation Overview
Cambridge Crossing $222,250 - $269,314
Madison – Giralda – NJ – US $202,050 – $244,831
Princeton – NJ – US $202,050 – $244,831
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full‑time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job‑related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Benefits
Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
Wellbeing Support Programs such as BMS Well‑Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Financial Well‑being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work‑Life Benefits
US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval), 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees).
Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non‑Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
Additional time off may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs, and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part‑time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
Eligibility for the summer hours program is limited to U.S. office‑based employees. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area. If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit California Residents Page for important additional information. BMS is committed to equal opportunity employment for all.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. For accommodations or adjustments in completing this application, direct inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit EEO Accessibility for our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at Data Privacy Protection . Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr