Executive Director, Business Development

Civia Health; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering clinical research organization is seeking an Executive Director, Business Development to enhance partnerships with biopharma sponsors and CROs. This senior role demands a consultative business developer with 10+ years in clinical research and exceptional negotiation skills. You'll lead engagements, deliver proposals, and foster long-term relationships while shaping innovative delivery of clinical trials. Join us to transform access to healthcare through dedicated work at the intersection of science and humanity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial leadership in clinical research or clinical research site networks.
• Evidence-backed success in strategic sales directly to sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse, high-performance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with Sponsors and CROs to secure new trial awards.
• Deliver exceptional proposals resulting in a strong hit rate.
• Build bespoke pursuit strategies connecting operational capability to Sponsor goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Science Bachelor’s degree

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Executive Director, Business Development

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Hybrid/Remote – United Kingdom

Department: Commercial & Business Development

Our Purpose

At Civia Health, we’re building a patient‑centric clinical trial site network designed to transform lives and advance science — with empathy, integrity, and trust at the center of everything we do.

We believe access to clinical research is access to care, and we exist to make that care human.

Role Summary

The Executive Director, Business Development (UK) will be a senior individual contributor responsible for originating, cultivating, and closing new partnerships with biopharma Sponsors and CROs.

This role is suited to a consultative, insight‑led business developer – someone who thinks strategically, listens deeply, and converts complex needs into tailored solutions. The ideal candidate combines commercial acumen, operational understanding, and a genuine passion for advancing access to clinical research. They invest time to understand the value clients are looking to achieve and are able to articulate how Civia aligns, meets and exceeds.

Key Accountabilities

Business Development and Strategic Growth

• Lead end‑to‑end engagement with Sponsors and CROs to secure new trial awards and multi‑study partnerships.
• Deliver exceptional proposals resulting in a hit rate of X%.
• Map key accounts across the cardiometabolic and chronic‑ambulatory landscape; identify portfolio, potential deal size and pipeline alignment.
• Build bespoke pursuit strategies and proposals that connect operational capability to Sponsor goals.
• Translate Civia’s differentiators – predictability, efficiency, and scale – into clear business outcomes for customers.
• Negotiate commercial terms, budgets, and contracting in collaboration with the CEO and CFO.

Relationship Management & Market Influence

• Develop long‑term, trusted relationships with decision‑makers in Site Management, Clinical Operations, Feasibility, Outsourcing, and R&D.
• Represent Civia Health at industry conferences, panels, and Sponsor forums – acting as a credible ambassador for the mission.
• Track competitor activity, market shifts, and sponsor feedback to continuously refine positioning and messaging.

Internal Collaboration & Delivery Alignment

• Partner with Operations and Site Leadership to ensure proposals reflect true operational capability and resource alignment.
• Coordinate with Finance and Marketing to shape pricing models, case studies, and communications.
• Provide market intelligence to leadership, informing strategic planning and investment decisions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Science Bachelor’s degree; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of commercial leadership in clinical research, or clinical research site networks.
• Evidence‑backed success in strategic sales direct to Sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse, high‑performance teams.

Capabilities & Attributes

• Strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to balance long‑term growth and near‑term execution.
• Large evidence‑backed Sponsor network, additional CRO valuable.
• Exceptional negotiation, storytelling, and executive‑level communication skills.
• Deep understanding of clinical research operations, site dynamics, and sponsor expectations.
• Mission‑driven leader who believes that advancing science starts with elevating human experience.

Success Metrics

• Growth & Performance: Annual revenue growth, new sponsor partnerships, trial volume expansion.
• Relationship Strength: Sponsor/CRO satisfaction (NPS), renewal and referral rates.
• Operational Excellence: Forecast accuracy, deal cycle efficiency, cross‑functional collaboration.
• Leadership Impact: Sales team engagement, development, and retention metrics.

Civia Health Values in Action

• Empathy: Listen first — understand sponsors, partners, and patients before acting.
• Integrity: Do the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing.
• Trust: Deliver on promises — every time.
• Community: Collaborate generously to elevate the collective good.
• Relentless Self‑Improvement: Learn, adapt, and grow continuously.

Why Civia Health

Join a purpose‑driven organization redefining clinical research by connecting science with humanity. As part of our leadership team, you’ll shape how clinical trials are delivered, expand access for patients, and accelerate innovation for the communities we serve.