Business Development Manager - Life Sciences

FBT Gibbons; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

Paid parental leave

Employee wellbeing programs

Job summary

FBT Gibbons is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead initiatives that drive revenue for its Life Sciences Industry team. The role requires strategic planning and collaboration across departments to implement business strategies. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree, significant experience in B2B professional services, and preferred experience in the life sciences industry. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a B2B, professional services or legal setting required.
• Experience in life sciences industry preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed across the firm’s national footprint.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio including the Life Sciences Industry Team.
• Create and implement business development strategies.
• Oversee requests for proposals (RFPs) and pitches for new business.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree (marketing, communications, business preferred)

Job description

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 26 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.

Job Overview

We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager to work closely with Practice Groups, Industry Teams, cross‑functional departments, and firm leadership to create and implement business development strategies that drive revenue for the Life Sciences Industry team and associated practices, including Intellectual Property (IP) and Data, Digital Assets & Technology (DDAT). The role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution, budget oversight, and performance tracking to ensure initiatives are aligned with firm priorities and deliver measurable results.

Location

This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; Orange County, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; or Washington, DC.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio that includes the Life Sciences Industry Team, associated practice groups including IP and DDAT, and key client teams. Make independent decisions related to business development priorities, resource allocation, and tactical execution, while consulting with Practice Group and Industry Team leaders, the Business Development Director (BDD), Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) and other firm executive leadership.
• Work closely with the BDD and CBDO on strategic firm initiatives and, when needed, serve as a delegate for leadership functions and presentations.
• Collaborate with Directors of Practice Services and Department Chairs on Practice Group performance, individual attorney issues and determination of productizing new service offerings.
• Drive and/or administer the expected level of support for varying Industry Team and Practice Group pursuits.
• Create and implement business development strategies; own and execute tactics to support plan elements. Strategies and tactics include, but are not limited to, key client identification, client engagement, cross‑servicing and integration opportunities; client/prospective client proposal and presentation development; individual attorney coaching and lateral support; client feedback implementation; and marketing and thought leadership related efforts (content marketing, events and sponsorships, speaking engagements and trade/professional organization involvement).
• Oversee the work of BDAs and BDCs assisting with portfolio projects.
• Define timelines and benchmarks for strategic business development opportunities and drive accountability.
• Manage and assist with the preparation and strategy of requests for proposals (RFPs) and pitches for new business.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Marketing, Finance, Data & Innovation, Information Systems, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Pricing, Project Management, and Legal Talent departments on new or ongoing initiatives that impact assigned groups.
• Contribute to departmental leadership functions, including process and resource development and meeting facilitation.
• Assist in the development and management of budgets affecting assigned Practice Groups, Industries, client teams or initiatives.
• Develop and present insights and analysis on legal industry trends, client feedback, practice group and industry trends and awareness and outreach opportunities.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required – degree in marketing, communications, business or other relevant area preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a B2B, professional services or legal setting required.
• Experience in life sciences industry preferred.
• Strong strategic planning and development skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to think critically.
• Self‑starter (initiative) with high energy and intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Excellent influential and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work within all levels of the firm (e.g., Chairman, Executive Committee, attorneys across all practice areas and business professionals).
• Strong negotiation skills and solution‑orientation.
• Ability to travel as needed across the firm’s national footprint; some overnight travel required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.

Benefits & Compensation

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit‑sharing. Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements. The pay range for this role accounts for the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. For applicants physically based in Denver, a reasonable estimate of the current annual range is $105,000 – $140,000. For applicants physically based in California, Newark or Washington, DC, a reasonable estimate of the current annual range is $120,000 – $155,000. Actual pay will be determined based on skills, relevant experience and other job‑related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

Application Requirements

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, FBT Gibbons will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest and/or conviction records.

Deadline

The application deadline for this position is June 26, 2026.