Associate Director, Business Development - Recruitment

Planet Pharma; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Senior Business Development Professional to expand our UK and European client portfolio from our London office. You will drive growth by identifying partnerships across permanent, contract, freelance and project-based staffing in Life Sciences and Pharma sectors.

Join a high-performing team, build strategic relationships with senior stakeholders, lead commercial negotiations, and shape our market presence across the EMEA region with consultative, solution-led

Qualifications

• Proven success in BD, client relations or senior leadership in 360 recruitment in Life Sciences.
• Track record of winning new business and revenue growth in recruitment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Fluent English, MS Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth by identifying and securing strategic partnerships across permanent, contract, freelance and project-based staffing in Life Sciences.
• Lead sales strategy and collaborate with Delivery teams to tailor hiring approaches.
• Represent Planet Pharma at client meetings and industry events.
• Monitor industry trends and identify new opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of clients to boost revenue and retention.

Skills

Senior BD

Job description

Business Development - Life Science/Pharma Recruitment

(100% Client Focused, No Delivery)

Based out of our London Office - Flexi Hours & Hybrid work offered

Ready to drive growth in one of the world's most exciting industries?

At Planet Pharma, we're not just a recruitment business. We're a global talent partner trusted by leading organisations to solve complex hiring challenges across the Life Sciences sector.

With established teams across the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, we have built a reputation as the go-to staffing partner for some of the industry's most innovative businesses.

As we continue our ambitious growth journey, we're looking for a Senior Business Development Professional to help expand our UK and European client portfolio.

If you're a commercially driven recruitment sales professional with a passion for Life Sciences, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact while building your career with a market-leading business.

What You'll Be Doing

As a key Senior member of our Sales team you will be driving business growth by identifying, cultivating and securing strategic partnership opportunities across permanent, contract, freelance and project-based workforce solutions across the EMEA Life Science market.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and executing high-impact business development strategies that align with market dynamics, client priorities and organisational growth objectives.
• Building and influencing relationships with senior leadership stakeholders across Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical organisations.
• Serving as a trusted workforce advisor, partnering with clients to understand complex talent challenges and delivering innovative, commercially focused solutions.
• Leading sales strategy and collaborating closely with Recruitment Delivery teams to develop tailored hiring approaches, provide market intelligence and ensure exceptional client outcomes.
• Acting as a brand ambassador for Planet Pharma, championing consultative, solution-led engagement that strengthens market presence and competitive differentiation.
• Leading commercial negotiations and building long-term strategic partnership contracts.
• Managing and expanding a portfolio of new clients, driving revenue growth, increasing market share and enhancing client retention.
• Providing executive-level stakeholder management, acting as the primary strategic point of contact and ensuring a seamless client experience throughout the talent lifecycle.
• Representing Planet Pharma at client meetings, industry forums, conferences and networking events, enhancing brand visibility and market influence.
• Monitoring industry trends, competitor activity and workforce developments to identify new opportunities and shape business strategy.
• Taking ownership of performance, consistently delivering against revenue targets, growth objectives and key commercial metrics.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven success in a Business Development, Client Relationship or a senior/leader in 360 Recruitment within the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical staffing sector.
• Demonstrable track record of winning new business and generating revenue growth within a recruitment or staffing environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and a strategic approach to sales.
• Experience building and developing client relationships from first contact through to long-term partnership.
• Ability to identify market opportunities and create innovative staffing solutions for clients.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Why Join Planet Pharma?

We're investing heavily in our growth and are committed to attracting talented, ambitious professionals who want to make an impact whilst propelling their career.

In return, you'll join a high-performing, collaborative team with access to:

• Established global brand recognition within Life Sciences recruitment.
• First class infrastructure, we want our team to win and will give you the tools to do so!
• Outstanding career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive leadership and experienced recruitment delivery teams.
• A dynamic, entrepreneurial culture that rewards success.
• The chance to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our growth journey.