Vice President, Business Development - Preclinical

About Discovery Life Sciences

Discovery Life Sciences is a worldwide leader in biospecimen solutions and laboratory services. The company provides a broad portfolio of products and services that help support drug discovery, development, and advanced research programs. With laboratories and offices across the United States and abroad, the organization focuses on enabling better therapies and diagnostics through high-quality biospecimens, in vitro preclinical products, cell and gene therapy starting materials, and specialized lab services.

Role Overview

The Vice President of Business Development, Preclinical, US will lead a team of sales professionals across the United States to win both new and repeat business within an assigned territory. This position plays a key role in growth by strengthening customer relationships, understanding client needs, recommending suitable solutions, and working closely with internal teams to support the company’s broader commercial objectives.

What You Will Do

• Set and run a regional planning process that defines shared performance goals, financial targets, and important delivery milestones.
• Build the team’s footprint across the assigned region by creating new relationships, strengthening existing ones, leading group presentations, participating in scientific events, and using targeted marketing initiatives.
• Partner with inside sales, business development leadership, marketing, operations, and feasibility teams to improve sales outcomes in the region.
• Review customer and product data, manage forecasting, and provide regular business updates to senior leadership.
• Track and manage major sales opportunities through to closure.
• Coordinate with strategic accounts teams for large customer meetings involving senior scientific stakeholders and company leadership to secure high-value projects.
• Present Discovery Life Sciences solutions to key accounts using strong consultative selling techniques.
• Develop subject-matter knowledge across the company’s core offerings so you can discuss projects effectively with R&D, business, legal, and procurement teams.
• Support growth of distribution partnerships across Europe and APAC.
• Ensure the team maintains an active opportunity pipeline and feasibility queue with clear next steps and customer feedback.
• Provide backup field coverage and sales support when needed.
• Help build long-term agreements with customer accounts.
• Share market intelligence, trends, and customer feedback with management and cross-functional stakeholders through documented sales activity.
• Protect the confidentiality of patient, coworker, and other personal information handled by the company.

What We Are Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree in life sciences is required; an MS, MBA, or PhD is preferred.
• 12 to 15 years of progressive experience in sales, business development, biopharma, or scientific tools is required.
• 5 to 7+ years of direct experience leading and managing a matrix sales team with regional goal accountability.
• At least 5 years of ADME-Tox-related sales experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to coach and develop sales professionals to higher levels of performance.
• Track record of expanding business across multiple lines by influencing customers and internal partners.
• Comfort with direct customer communication through field visits, email, and phone.
• Strong relationship-building ability and skill in developing strategic customer solutions.
• Salesforce.com experience is required; formal sales training is an advantage.
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong drive to meet both team and company targets.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational strength, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

The total annual compensation for this position is estimated at $280,000 to $315,000, combining base pay and commission. The final base salary will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.

• Competitive pay and benefits, including free dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability insurance starting on day one.
• 401(k) matching from the first day of employment.
• Generous paid time off, vacation, parental leave, and family leave.
• Professional development support, including reimbursement for relevant certifications and tuition.
• An inclusive workplace that values collaboration and diversity.
• Team-building events and social activities.
• Employee referral and colleague recognition programs.

Location and Travel

This is a remote role based in the United States. Preference is for candidates in the Northeast, and the selected candidate must live in either the Eastern or Central time zone. The role requires more than 50% domestic or international travel for required site meetings and training sessions.

Additional Information

The company is looking for driven professionals who want to grow with a high-performing organization and contribute to its long-term success. More details are available through the company careers page.