Job Description

Executive Director, Global Intellectual Property Policy

Working with Us Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You'll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) seeks an Executive Director, Global Intellectual Property Policy - a strategic leader to drive the company's global IP policy initiatives, represent BMS externally in the IP community, and provide high-level guidance on emerging legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting BMS's innovative portfolio worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global IP policy strategies aligned with BMS's objectives, anticipating and responding to rapidly evolving IP legislative, regulatory, and policy environments across key markets.
• Partner closely with Global Government Affairs team to advocate for pro-IP policy with key stakeholders globally, and with local colleagues within Innovation Law on ex-US policy initiatives.
• Represent BMS in industry associations (e.g., BIO, PhRMA, IFPMA, IPO) and with government agencies, policymakers, and multilateral organizations to shape global IP policy and advocacy positions.
• Advise executive leadership and cross-functional teams (Legal, R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, Public Affairs) on the business impact of global IP laws, treaties, and policy proposals, with emphasis on patent, data/market exclusivity, trade secrets, and technology transfer.
• Coordinate BMS positions and external advocacy on major global issues such as biosimilars, TRIPS Flexibilities, patent term extensions, compulsory licensing, digital health, AI-generated inventions, and anti-counterfeiting.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with key external stakeholders and thought leaders in the IP policy arena.
• Track, analyze, and communicate global IP policy developments, risks, and opportunities to leadership, proactively recommending responsive business, policy, and legal strategies.
• Support responses to government inquiries, white papers, and consultations on IP law reform, including preparation of comments, statements, and testimony.
• Drive internal education and awareness initiatives on global IP policy trends and ensure stakeholder alignment on BMS's positions.
• Contribute to management of key policy and advocacy budgets and ensure operational excellence in external engagement.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in life sciences or law (JD or equivalent), with strong preference for experience in both.
• Minimum 12 years' relevant experience in global IP law, policy, or government affairs, with a focus on pharmaceutical innovation.
• Demonstrated record of leadership in IP policy, advocacy, or specialized legal practice within a multinational pharmaceutical/biotech company or major industry association.
• In-depth understanding of global IP legal frameworks, including patent, regulatory data protection, exclusivity regimes, and international agreements (e.g., TRIPS, WIPO, EU directives).
• Expertise in the U.S., EU, and key ex-U.S. policy environments impacting pharmaceutical IP rights.
• Significant experience engaging and influencing senior-level external audiences, including regulators, legislators, and trade groups.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills; ability to clearly articulate complex IP issues to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Proven track record of contributing to enterprise strategy and aligning policy with business objectives.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, bringing cross-cultural awareness and professional agility.

Bristol Myers Squibb 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.

BMS is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.

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