Sr. Director, Business Development

Role Overview

This is a senior commercial leadership opportunity based in Germany and offered through a partner company that handles the application review and next steps. The role centers on accelerating growth, broadening strategic alliances, and driving revenue across biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical markets.

As the senior business development lead, you will identify and convert new opportunities, strengthen long-term relationships with senior stakeholders, and guide complex deals from early outreach through to signed agreements. The position requires close collaboration with scientific, operational, legal, finance, and commercial teams to deliver tailored development and manufacturing solutions in a highly technical, science-led environment.

The role carries strong visibility and ownership, with direct influence on market expansion, customer success, and commercial performance. It suits a leader who combines sharp commercial judgment with a solid grasp of biologics development and manufacturing, allowing confident communication with both executive and technical audiences.

Key Accountabilities

• Identify, develop, and win new business across biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical accounts.
• Manage the full business development cycle, from prospecting and qualification through proposals, negotiation, contracting, and account growth.
• Establish and nurture durable relationships with senior leaders, decision-makers, and other important stakeholders.
• Create and implement strategic sales plans aimed at increasing revenue, expanding pipeline, and improving market share.
• Work closely with technical, operational, legal, finance, program management, and commercial teams to support successful customer engagement and solution delivery.
• Prepare, present, and negotiate commercial agreements, service contracts, statements of work, and manufacturing agreements.
• Handle customer requests for proposals, information, and quotations while coordinating internal contributors to provide strong responses.
• Contribute to pricing strategy, contract design, and negotiation efforts to reach commercially sound agreements.
• Keep pipeline data, forecasts, and customer information current in CRM systems.
• Represent the business at conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and networking events to raise visibility and generate opportunities.
• Arrange customer visits, audits, and executive meetings while maintaining a positive client experience.
• Capture market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to inform business development strategy.

Candidate Profile

• A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a similar scientific field is required; an MBA or comparable advanced business qualification is a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or commercial leadership within biologics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or CDMO settings.
• A minimum of 5 years selling biologics development and manufacturing services, or closely related offerings.
• Proven ability to create new revenue, expand accounts, and manage complex enterprise sales cycles successfully.
• A strong network and established relationships within the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of biologics development and manufacturing, including cell line development, upstream and downstream processing, process development, tech transfer, analytical development, GMP manufacturing, and commercial production.
• Working knowledge of regulatory expectations and industry standards affecting biologics development and manufacturing, including FDA, EMA, and ICH guidance.
• Familiarity with biologic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies and related therapies.
• Ability to engage confidently with executives while also working effectively with technical and operational teams.
• Strong skills in negotiation, presentations, communication, and relationship building.
• Experience working in cross-functional and international settings.
• Comfort using CRM tools and standard business software.
• Willingness to travel frequently for territory coverage and industry events.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, and focused on outcomes.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual pay in the range of $170,000 to $220,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-related bonus potential.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings support through employer contribution or matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday entitlement.
• Fully remote working setup with flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and career progression.
• Exposure to advanced biologics development and manufacturing programs.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture focused on innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• A high-impact position with direct influence on strategy and growth.
• Access to industry conferences, events, and networking opportunities.

Application and Privacy Information

The application process is managed by a partner company that reviews submissions and handles subsequent steps. A shortlist is created using an AI-assisted matching process that compares candidates against the role’s core requirements before being shared with the hiring employer. Final decisions, including interviews and assessments, are made by the employer’s internal team.

By applying, you acknowledge that your personal data may be processed to assess your candidacy and shared with the hiring employer where relevant. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR. You may exercise rights such as access, correction, deletion, and objection at any time.

AI tools may also be used to support parts of the review process, such as screening applications, analyzing resumes, or checking responses for potential inconsistencies or verification signals. These tools assist recruitment activity but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions remain with people.