Business Development & Proposals Manager – CRO

LabRulez; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

VRS Recruitment is seeking a Business Development & Proposals Manager for a CRO focused on bioanalytical and CMC services. You will manage opportunities from inquiry through proposal, pricing, contract award, and ongoing client relationships.

The role blends business development, account management, and technical proposal development, with ~10% travel to industry events. Candidates should have CRO experience and a strong track record in scientific communications.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience
• Minimum 2 years working within a CRO
• Experience with bioanalytical, CMC or related pharmaceutical development services
• Understanding of GLP/GMP, ICH guidelines and FDA-regulated drug development

Responsibilities

• Drive inbound and outbound business development
• Own technical proposals, study scopes and budgets
• Work with scientists to scope and price projects
• Lead commercial and contract discussions
• Represent the business at industry conferences and tradeshows (~10% travel)
• Support marketing and technical content development

Skills

Strong written communication

Client-facing communication

Independent worker

Organized

Commercially minded

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Business Development & Proposals Manager - CRO

VRS Recruitment

VRS Recruitment (US) is a specialized scientific recruitment company focused on analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and the broader life sciences sector. Built on the principle of "Scientists Recruiting Scientists," the company combines technical expertise with professional recruitment services to help organizations identify highly qualified scientific talent while supporting candidates in advancing their careers.

Rather than operating as a traditional recruitment agency, VRS Recruitment employs consultants with scientific backgrounds who understand the technologies, applications, and terminology used throughout analytical laboratories and instrument manufacturers. This technical knowledge enables the company to accurately assess both candidate qualifications and employer requirements, resulting in more effective and targeted recruitment.

We're recruiting for a growing boutique CRO providing bioanalytical and CMC services to biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

This is a varied,client-facing role combining business development, account management and technical proposal development. You'll manage opportunities from initial inquiry through proposal, pricing, contract award and ongoing client relationships.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive inbound and outbound business development
• Develop and manage relationships with biotech/pharma sponsors
• Own technical proposals, study scopes and budgets
• Work closely with scientists to accurately scope and price projects
• Lead commercial and contract discussions
• Manage multiple proposals and opportunities simultaneously
• Represent the business at industry conferences and tradeshows (~10% travel)
• Support marketing and technical content development

Candidate Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field
• 3-8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience
• Minimum 2 years working within a CRO - essential
• Experience with bioanalytical, CMC or related pharmaceutical development services
• Understanding of GLP/GMP, ICH guidelines and FDA-regulated drug development
• Strong technical writing, proposal and client-facing communication skills
• Commercially minded, organized and comfortable working independently

$110,000-135,000 base + performance incentives