Business Development Director - Specialty Labs

Vector Talent; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global laboratory services provider is seeking a Business Development Director to drive growth across its specialty laboratory services. The successful candidate will have a strong sales background with at least 8 years of experience, exceptional scientific understanding, and proven ability to develop client relationships. This role requires excellent communication skills and a willingness to travel regularly. Join us to make a significant impact in the life sciences industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ direct sales experience in specialty laboratory and/or clinical trial services.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO industries.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

Responsibilities

• Meet and exceed quarterly and annual sales bookings targets.
• Develop strategic business development plans.
• Proactively prospect and close new business opportunities.

Skills

Sales strategy development

Scientific understanding

Client relationship management

Pipeline management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Business Development Director - Specialty Labs

Reporting to: VP Sales, North America

HOW YOU WILL ADD VALUE

The Business Development Director will drive growth across Cerba Research’s full spectrum of global specialty laboratory services—including, histopathology, bioanalytical (PK/ADA/Nab), molecular biology, immunology, flow cytometry (including spectral), biomarkers, genomics, and advanced data analytics as well as routine and safety testing—by identifying new business opportunities, strengthening current client relationships, and exceeding bookings targets.

This role requires a true hunter mindset and strong scientific understanding of specialty and biomarker laboratory services to effectively engage with and influence technical and commercial stakeholders.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet and exceed quarterly and annual sales bookings targets across all specialty lab service lines.
• Develop strategic business development plans to penetrate the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences sector.
• Implement pricing strategies and work with the Cerba Research team to negotiate terms for new customers to maximize profitability.
• Proactively prospect and close new business opportunities with a hunter-driven approach.
• Identify, qualify, and prioritize new prospects; maintain a robust pipeline of high-value opportunities.
• Present Cerba Research’s full capabilities through tailored presentations and proposals.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers and influencers within target accounts.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies in specialty lab services.
• Align Cerba Research’s service portfolio with evolving customer needs and market demands.
• Convert strategic opportunities into actionable tactical plans for execution.
• Partner with Proposals Team, Legal, Scientific Affairs, Operations, Project Management, and Finance teams to define proposals, service specifications, timelines, and budgets for new projects.
• Work closely with Marketing on event planning, lead generation, and collateral development.
• Partner with Inside Sales for prospecting and lead generation.
• Support Cerba Research’s presence at trade shows, scientific conferences, and industry events.
• Prepare for and actively participate in client bid defense activities to support successful proposal outcomes and strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive account plans, including client pipeline tracking and stakeholder mapping, to drive strategic engagement and long-term growth.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date CRM records in Salesforce, including client interactions, opportunities, and forecasting.
• Prepare and submit periodic sales reports.
• Contribute to the development of sales training programs and participate in ongoing skill development in sales methodology as well as technical expertise.
• Demonstrate adaptability and proficiency in learning and applying new tools, software, AI and technologies to improve efficiency and client engagement.

ABOUT YOU

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 8 years’ direct sales experience in specialty laboratory and/or clinical trial services.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO industries and the drug development lifecycle.
• Proven hunter mentality with a track record of generating and closing new business.
• Solid scientific understanding of specialty laboratory and biomarker services, enabling effective engagement with technical and scientific stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven ability to translate scientific service requirements into compelling value.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

If you have not received a response within 14 days of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.