Associate Director - Business Development (CDMO)

Laurus Labs Limited; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical company seeks an Associate Director for Business Development focused on CDMO services. Candidates should have a master's degree and extensive experience in managing client relationships and business opportunities within the life sciences. Key responsibilities include cultivating customer relationships, generating new leads, and collaborating with internal teams on project execution. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 5–8 years or PhD with 2–3 years of relevant experience.
• Proven success in client relationship management and new business development.
• Strong understanding of the CDMO industry and cGMP standards.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with existing customers for seamless execution.
• Generate new leads and qualify potential business opportunities.
• Define and implement prospecting strategy for sustainable pipeline.

Skills

Client relationship management

Business development

Leadership

Communication

Sales skills

Education

Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Management, or Engineering

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Salesforce (SFDC)

Job description

Position Title: Associate Director – Business Development (CDMO)

Location: United States (Preferred: East Coast / EST Time Zone)

Reporting To: Director, Business Development

Territory: East Coast and Midwest U.S. Accounts

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing customers by promptly addressing communications and coordinating with internal technical, project management, and leadership teams to ensure seamless execution
• Identify and generate new leads, engage decision-makers, and qualify potential business opportunities
• Collaborate closely with the reporting manager to evaluate and pursue new leads
• Demonstrate excellence in leadership, communication, selling, closing, objection handling, and account management
• Define and implement a prospecting strategy that builds a sustainable pipeline of new business opportunities
• Identify and target new product opportunities; build relationships with pharma and biotech decision-makers seeking CDMO services
• Maintain and update Salesforce (SFDC) with target accounts, opportunities, and RFP outcomes (won/lost)
• Coordinate timely execution of Confidentiality Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) with new and existing customers
• Partner with the RFP development team to manage new project opportunities and present RFPs/RFIs to customers
• Represent the company at industry tradeshows, conferences, networking events, and client meetings (on-site and off-site)
• Participate actively in customer project updates, internal team meetings, and senior leadership discussions

Qualifications & Requirements

• Master’s degree with 5–8 years or PhD with 2–3 years of relevant experience in Life Sciences, Business Management, or Engineering
• Proven success in managing client relationships and closing new business opportunities
• Deep understanding of the CDMO industry across APIs, intermediates, and finished dosage forms—from both customer and provider perspectives
• Familiarity with cGMP manufacturing standards and relevant regulatory/environmental considerations
• Process-driven, solutions-focused, and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and execution
• Entrepreneurial mindset with high energy, accountability, and a drive to meet business objectives
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across all organizational levels
• Strong relationship-building skills across technical, commercial, operational, and leadership functions
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-project environments
• High level of creativity, determination, and personal motivation