Business Development Manager

About youThe ideal candidate will be responsible for generating new business and developing strong client relationships across the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. This individual will have a strong commercial mindset, excellent communication skills and the scientific understanding required to confidently discuss preclinical research needs with clients.The successful candidate will work closely with scientific and internal teams to progress opportunities from initial discussions through study scoping, proposals, quotations and commercial negotiations.
About the CompanyOur client is a growing preclinical Contract Research Organisation (CRO) based in San Diego, California, supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies across a broad range of preclinical research programmes.The organisation provides services including in vivo and in vitro research, pharmacology, GLP and non-GLP toxicology, bioanalysis, histology, animal model and assay development, medical device testing, specialised surgical studies and vivarium services.

ResponsibilitiesIdentify and develop new business opportunities across biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companiesBuild and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clientsGenerate new business through prospecting, networking, referrals and industry eventsUnderstand client pipelines, scientific objectives and preclinical study requirementsManage opportunities from initial discussions through scoping, quotations, proposals and commercial negotiationsCollaborate with scientific teams to develop appropriate study solutionsSupport pricing and quotation development alongside internal teamsMaintain an accurate commercial pipeline and CRMRepresent the company at conferences, client meetings and industry events
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Business or a related discipline2+ years of Business Development, Sales, Account Management or client-facing commercial experience within CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device or related life sciences markets
Required SkillsStrong new-business development and relationship-building skillsStrong communication, presentation and negotiation skillsScientific understanding of preclinical research and drug developmentExperience with proposals, quotations, SOWs and/or pricing is advantageousExperience selling preclinical CRO services such as pharmacology, toxicology, in vivo studies, bioanalysis, PK/PD or IND-enabling studies is highly desirableProactive, commercially focused and goal-orientedBased in, or willing to relocate to, San Diego, California
Preferred SkillsPrevious experience selling outsourced preclinical CRO or scientific R&D servicesKnowledge of toxicology, IND-enabling studies, pharmacology, in vivo efficacy, PK/PD, bioanalysis or histologyExperience with large animal, NHP, surgical or medical device studiesDemonstrated success generating new accounts and developing long-term sponsor relationshipsExperience collaborating with scientific and finance teams on proposals, quotations and pricingExisting relationships across the US biotech, pharmaceutical or medical device market, particularly within Southern CaliforniaExperience working with both emerging biotechnology companies and established life sciences organisations
Pay Range and Compensation Package$130,000–$140,000 annual base salary, plus performance-based incentives.This is a full-time, hybrid position based in San Diego, California. Travel will be required for client meetings, conferences and other business development activities.
Equal Opportunity StatementOur client is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.