Sr. Director, Business Development

Role overview

This is a senior commercial leadership role based in Ireland, offered through a partner organization that oversees applications and all subsequent hiring steps. The position centers on accelerating growth in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical space by creating new business opportunities, deepening strategic partnerships, and managing complex sales opportunities from first contact through signed agreements.

You will work in a highly technical, collaborative environment where commercial strategy meets science. The role involves regular interaction with executives, technical specialists, and industry decision-makers to shape tailored development and manufacturing solutions. It carries high ownership and strong visibility, with direct influence on revenue, market expansion, and customer outcomes. Success in this position requires a blend of commercial leadership and solid knowledge of biologics development and manufacturing, so you can confidently engage both business and technical stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Accelerate revenue by identifying, pursuing, and closing new opportunities in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical markets.
• Manage the entire business development cycle, from prospecting and qualification through proposals, negotiation, contract finalization, and account growth.
• Develop durable relationships with senior leaders, decision-makers, and other key contacts at target accounts.
• Create and implement sales strategies that improve pipeline strength, market reach, and revenue performance.
• Work closely with technical, operations, legal, finance, program management, and commercial teams to support smooth customer engagement and delivery.
• Prepare, present, and negotiate commercial terms, service agreements, statements of work, and manufacturing contracts.
• Handle customer RFQs, RFPs, and information requests while aligning internal contributors to produce strong responses.
• Contribute to pricing decisions, deal structuring, and commercial negotiation tactics that support win-win outcomes.
• Keep CRM records current, including pipeline tracking, forecasting, and customer information.
• Represent the business at conferences, trade shows, client meetings, and networking events to raise profile and generate opportunities.
• Arrange customer visits, audits, and executive meetings while helping ensure a strong client experience.
• Capture and relay market trends, competitor activity, and customer input to inform strategy and business planning.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific field is required; an MBA or similar advanced business qualification is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or commercial leadership within biologics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or CDMO settings.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience selling biologics development and manufacturing services or equivalent offerings.
• Proven history of winning new business, increasing revenue, and handling complex enterprise sales processes.
• Well-established network and existing relationships within biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.
• Strong working knowledge of biologics development and manufacturing, including cell line development, upstream and downstream processing, process development, technology transfer, analytical development, GMP manufacturing, and commercial production.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations and industry frameworks such as FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
• Understanding of biologic modalities, including monoclonal antibodies and related therapeutic products.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives while partnering closely with technical and operational teams.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Experience working across cross-functional and international teams.
• Comfort using CRM tools and standard business software.
• Willingness to travel frequently for territory coverage and industry events.
• Highly organized, able to juggle multiple priorities, and confident in solving problems with a results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Annual compensation between $170,000 and $220,000, depending on background and experience.
• Eligibility for performance-linked bonus earnings.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings support with employer contribution or matching.
• Substantial paid time off plus holiday entitlement.
• Fully remote setup with flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunities to grow professionally and take on leadership progression.
• Exposure to advanced biologics development and manufacturing work.
• A collaborative, inclusive environment focused on innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• A high-impact position with meaningful influence on strategy and growth.
• Access to industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Additional information

This role is handled through a partner company that manages applications, screening, and next-step coordination. A data privacy notice applies: by applying, candidates acknowledge that personal data may be used to assess candidacy and shared with the hiring employer under applicable data protection principles, including GDPR. AI-assisted tools may support parts of the review process, but final decisions remain with human recruiters.