Director/Senior Director Business Development

Director / Senior Director, Business Development

Location: East Coast or West Coast, USA

Working arrangement: Remote, with frequent travel

About the Role

We are partnering with a global life sciences services organisation seeking an experienced Director or Senior Director of Business Development to drive growth across North America.

Reporting to a senior executive, this individual will manage a defined territory and develop new business across clinical research, functional service provision (FSP), regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance and technology-enabled solutions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building a strong opportunity pipeline, developing strategic client relationships and securing new business from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. This is a highly visible position requiring strong industry connections, commercial awareness and a proven record of achieving sales targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive territory and account-growth strategy.


• Identify, qualify and progress high-value opportunities through the sales pipeline.


• Win new business in line with agreed annual revenue and growth targets.


• Prospect for new clients while expanding relationships within existing strategic accounts.


• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with decision-makers across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.


• Collaborate with operational, commercial and subject-matter experts to develop tailored client solutions.


• Sell services across clinical development, FSP, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance and technology.


• Maintain a strong understanding of industry challenges, market developments, competitors and pricing.


• Represent the organisation at industry conferences, trade shows and networking events.


• Lead client presentations, proposals and bid-defence meetings.


• Develop and maintain strategic account plans, including revenue targets, milestones and opportunity updates.


• Support commercial discussions and contract negotiations throughout the sales process.


• Maintain accurate records of client engagement, leads and opportunities within the CRM.


• Share relevant market and competitor intelligence with business development and operational teams.


• Work effectively with global teams operating across multiple regions and time zones.


• Engage with senior internal and external stakeholders to resolve challenges and maintain momentum throughout the sales cycle.

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial business development experience within clinical research or life sciences services.


• Proven history of meeting or exceeding territory, revenue and sales targets.


• Strong experience selling early-phase clinical trial and FSP solutions.


• Knowledge of regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, safety and technology-enabled clinical services.


• An established network of senior decision-makers within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including leaders in Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs and Research and Development.


• Demonstrated ability to develop new strategic accounts and expand existing client relationships.


• Strong commercial, strategic and analytical capabilities.


• Experience working with operational and delivery teams across international markets.


• Excellent presentation, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively against demanding timelines.


• Comfortable working independently within a remote, results-driven environment.


• Willingness to travel up to 75%.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious, growing life sciences organisation with an expanding clinical, regulatory, safety and technology offering. The position provides significant ownership of a North American territory, exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to play a central role in the organisation’s continued growth.

Should this opportunity spark some interest, please apply with a copy of your CV to set up a confidential discussion.