Client Relationship Director (Business Development)

Parexel; Richmond (VA); Remote; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Vacation/Holiday/Sick Time

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Work/Life Balance

401(k) with Company match

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Parexel is seeking a Client Relationship Director to join our team in a remote capacity. This role focuses on driving commercial growth, building strategic relationships within assigned accounts, and supporting the Account Leader in shaping business vision and strategy.

You will lead cross-functional pursuits, negotiate commercial terms, and identify opportunities to deliver integrated clinical research solutions that impact patients globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in pharmaceutical services environment, CRO, Life Sciences consulting preferred.
• Ability to manage accounts, develop business strategy, and execute commercial initiatives.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Account Leader in developing and executing therapeutic area, service line, or region-specific account plans that drive growth and profitability.
• Take direct responsibility for assigned accounts, including new business growth, bid pursuit strategy, and commercial contract negotiation.
• Lead bid pursuit meetings and proposal strategy development with cross-functional colleagues.
• Develop compelling proposal narratives and executive summaries that demonstrate integrated solutions and ROI.
• Identify client needs and develop consultative solutions leveraging Parexel's expertise, capabilities, and technologies.
• Maintain high visibility within client organizations and develop relationships with senior management to drive repeat business.
• Maintain knowledge of Parexel services to identify cross-selling opportunities and ensure alignment with client strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including SBU Delivery, Solutions Consultants, Sales Support, Finance, and Legal.

Skills

Strategic relationship management

Senior stakeholder engagement

Commercial negotiations

Drug development knowledge

Account management

High-level communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or related field

Tools

CTMS familiarity

eTMF familiarity

Job description

About Parexel

Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner delivering insights-driven clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry. With 22,000+ employees worldwide, we partner with biopharmaceutical companies and research sites to design and deliver patient-focused clinical trials that broaden access and make research a care option for anyone, anywhere.

We work with focus, agility, and shared purpose -- moving with urgency to address patient needs and accelerate the delivery of new therapies. We embrace bold thinking, adapt quickly to change, and continually raise the bar for the speed and quality of clinical research. We are expanding our team and seeking talented individuals to help drive industry-leading innovation, With Heart(R).

About the Role

We are seeking a Client Relationship Director to join our team in a remote capacity. As a Client Relationship Director, you will drive commercial growth and build strategic relationships within assigned accounts, supporting the Account Leader in developing and executing the business vision and strategy. This position plays a key role in account profitability, business development, and advancing clinical research solutions that impact patients globally.

You’ll join a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment focused on making a meaningful impact through account leadership, bid pursuit strategy, and commercial negotiation. With diverse teams and continuous learning opportunities, the Client Relationship Director can explore career paths and expand skills across commercial strategy, client relationships, and clinical research solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Account Leader in developing and executing therapeutic area, service line, or region-specific account plans that drive growth and profitability
• Take direct responsibility for assigned accounts, including new business growth, bid pursuit strategy, and commercial contract negotiation
• Lead bid pursuit meetings and proposal strategy development in collaboration with cross-functional colleagues
• Develop compelling proposal narratives and executive summaries that demonstrate integrated solutions and return on investment
• Identify client needs and develop creative, consultative solutions leveraging Parexel's expertise, operational capabilities, and technologies
• Maintain high visibility within client organizations and develop strong relationships with senior management to drive repeat business
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all Parexel services and value propositions to identify cross-selling opportunities
• Ensure appropriate knowledge transfer to delivery teams, liaising with Project Integrator or Project Leader roles to communicate client needs and expectations
• Maintain close relationships with delivery teams to identify new opportunities and ensure continued account growth
• Monitor competitive activities, positioning, and pricing to inform strategy and understand reasons for awards and non-awards
• Ensure pricing strategies are appropriate to win business while meeting financial targets, profitability goals, and contractual requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including SBU Delivery, Solutions Consultants, Sales Support, Business Operations, Finance, and Legal

Candidate Profile

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Strategic and consulting skills in helping clients maximize short- and long-term drug development goals
• Strong ability to build relationships and communicate effectively at senior management levels
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and entrepreneurial drive blending urgency, strategic thinking, and influence
• Solid understanding of drug discovery, development principles, and clinical research processes
• Experience presenting, packaging, and proposing integrated solutions that demonstrate value and return on investment
• Highly effective communication skills at all levels with both clients and internal teams, with strong oral and written abilities
• Ability to influence and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, clients, and customers
• Comfort operating in a demanding, fast-paced environment with the capability to react swiftly to changing business demands
• Drive to deliver quality results on time in a highly ethical and professional manner

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Multiple years of experience working in a pharmaceutical services environment, preferably in a CRO, Life Sciences company, or consulting background specializing in Life Sciences
• Demonstrated ability to manage accounts, develop business strategy, and execute commercial initiatives
• Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or related field)
• Experience in both sales and delivery roles within clinical research or pharmaceutical services
• Track record of successfully managing client relationships and driving revenue growth
• Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic trial master files (eTMF), or related technologies

Benefits and Compensation

• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vacation/Holiday/Sick Time
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Work/Life Balance
• 401(k) with Company match
• Pet Insurance

For a complete list of benefits, please visit www.parexel.com/us-benefits.

Some roles may also be eligible for additional incentives, bonuses, or other compensation programs. Our Talent Acquisition team will provide details on applicable bonus plans or incentive structures for eligible positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, which includes paid time off, a 401(k) match, life insurance, health insurance, and additional benefit offerings in accordance with the terms of our applicable plans.

EEO Disclaimer

Parexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the US includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.