Director of Business Development

Title: Director of Business Development – Comprehensive Service Portfolio

Location: Home-based in Europe (preferably Milan, London, or other key biopharma hubs)

My client is a globally recognized, full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) operating over 25 state-of-the-art laboratories across the US, Canada, China, and Europe. Following the recent acquisition of a bioanalytical and DMPK business, they offer a comprehensive portfolio of services to support drug development, from discovery to clinical trials. These services include CMC, bioanalytical services, DMPK, clinical trial support, animal toxicology studies, central lab services, and more, delivering customized, high-quality solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners worldwide.

Position/Job Summary

The Director of Business Development will spearhead my client’s growth across Europe, promoting its entire suite of services to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. This role requires an experienced, client-focused professional who can build strong relationships, identify opportunities, and drive revenue growth by offering tailored, integrated solutions that address clients' preclinical and clinical development needs.

Roles & Responsibilities

Business Development Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve sales targets across Europe, emphasizing my client’s comprehensive portfolio of services.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, focusing on small-to-mid-sized enterprises while engaging with select large pharma organizations.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities, leveraging CRM tools to track progress and outcomes.

Service Expertise Promote my client’s full range of services, including:

• CMC services: Formulation development, manufacturing, and regulatory support.
• Bioanalytical testing: Quantitative and qualitative analysis for small and large molecules.
• DMPK and toxicology studies: ADMET profiling, GLP toxicology, and safety assessments.
• Central lab services: Flow cytometry, safety testing, and sample logistics.
• Clinical trial support: Patient sample analysis, PK/PD analysis, and logistics coordination.
• Discovery services: Translational research, biomarker analysis, and screening capabilities.

Client Relationship Management

• Understand client needs and provide customized solutions that align with their drug development objectives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction and addressing any concerns.
• Present proposals, negotiate contracts, and close deals in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Collaboration and Representation

• Work closely with scientific, operational, and marketing teams to align client expectations with service delivery.
• Represent my client at industry conferences, trade shows, and events to enhance visibility and generate leads.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities, providing insights to inform business strategies.

Education, Experience & Skills Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry, or related field); a PhD is preferred.
• 6-10 years of experience in the biotech, pharma, or CRO industry.
• At least 5 years of proven success in business development, selling comprehensive CRO services.
• Deep understanding of the drug development lifecycle, including preclinical and clinical phases.
• Established network in the European biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and sales pipeline management.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages (e.g., Italian, German, or French) are a plus.