Sr. Director, Business Development

Role overview

This opportunity is shared on behalf of a partner organization that handles applications and all subsequent hiring steps. The partner is seeking a Senior Director of Business Development based in the United Kingdom.

In this senior commercial leadership role, you will help accelerate growth by developing strategic partnerships across the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical space. Your focus will be on spotting new opportunities, nurturing high-value client relationships, and steering complex sales processes from initial outreach through final contract closure. The position involves close collaboration in a science-led environment with executives, technical specialists, and industry decision-makers to shape customized development and manufacturing solutions. It is a highly visible role with strong ownership and direct influence on revenue, market expansion, and customer outcomes. Success in this position requires a blend of commercial leadership and a solid grasp of biologics development and manufacturing, allowing you to contribute effectively in both technical and executive discussions.

Key accountabilities

• Identify, pursue, and close new business across biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical markets.
• Manage the complete business development cycle, from lead generation and qualification to proposals, negotiations, contract finalization, and account growth.
• Establish and sustain long-term relationships with senior leaders, key decision-makers, and other influential stakeholders at target accounts.
• Create and implement sales strategies that strengthen pipeline health, increase revenue, and improve market reach.
• Work in close partnership with technical, operational, legal, finance, program management, and commercial functions to support successful customer solutions.
• Lead the drafting, delivery, and negotiation of commercial terms, service agreements, statements of work, and manufacturing contracts.
• Handle customer RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs while coordinating internal teams to produce timely, high-quality responses.
• Contribute to pricing decisions, deal structuring, and negotiation strategies that create value for both sides.
• Keep pipeline records, forecasts, and customer information current in CRM tools.
• Represent the business at conferences, trade events, client meetings, and networking forums to build visibility and generate demand.
• Organize customer visits, audits, and executive-level meetings while ensuring a strong client experience.
• Collect market trends, competitor intelligence, and client feedback to inform strategic planning and business development priorities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or another relevant scientific field is required; an MBA or similar 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 environments.
• A minimum of 5 years selling biologics development and manufacturing services or related offerings.
• Clear evidence of success in winning new business, growing revenue, and managing complex enterprise sales cycles.
• A well-established professional network and strong relationships within the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors.
• Strong command of biologics development and manufacturing, including cell line development, upstream and downstream processing, process development, technology transfer, analytical development, GMP manufacturing, and commercial production.
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks and industry standards relevant to biologics development and manufacturing, including FDA, EMA, and ICH requirements.
• Understanding of biologic products such as monoclonal antibodies and similar therapeutic modalities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive stakeholders while also partnering smoothly with technical and operational teams.
• Excellent capabilities in negotiation, presentations, communication, and relationship management.
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional and international teams.
• Comfort using CRM systems and common business software.
• Willingness to travel frequently across assigned regions and to industry events as needed.
• Strong organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Annual compensation expected between $170,000 and $220,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings support through employer contribution or matching.
• Generous paid leave and holiday entitlement.
• Fully remote working arrangement with flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and career progression.
• Exposure to advanced biologics development and manufacturing programs.
• An inclusive, collaborative culture focused on innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• A high-impact position with direct input into business growth and strategic direction.
• Access to industry conferences, events, and networking opportunities.

Additional information

This role is managed through a partner hiring process. Application review, shortlist creation, and next steps are handled by the partner company. Personal data submitted during the application may be processed to assess candidacy and shared with the employer under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR. AI-enabled tools may support parts of screening and review, but final hiring decisions are made by people.