Director of Business Development

Discover International; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Discover International in the United States is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Director to lead global BD and growth across the pharma and biotechnology markets. The role focuses on identifying opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and leading complex sales processes from initial engagement through contract execution.

The ideal candidate will combine strong CDMO industry knowledge, an established network within pharma and biotech, and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in business development, sales, or account management within pharma/biotech/CDMO.
• Proven track record of closing complex B2B opportunities and managing strategic accounts.
• Established network with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder sales cycles and cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to achieve revenue and growth objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Build and maintain long‑term relationships with key decision-makers and strategic accounts.
• Lead the full business development cycle, including prospecting, customer engagement, proposals, negotiations, and contract closure.
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities and provide accurate commercial forecasting.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships and introduce additional services.
• Collaborate with technical, operations, project management, quality, legal, and finance teams to develop customer solutions and proposals.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, partnering events, and customer meetings.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify new growth opportunities.

Skills

BD Strategy

Sales Leadership

Pharma & Biotech

Contract Negotiation

Key Account Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

International Sales

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Life Sciences/Business

Job description

We are seeking a commercially driven Business Development Director to lead global business development and drive growth across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets. The role will focus on identifying new opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and leading complex sales processes from initial engagement through contract execution.

The ideal candidate will combine strong CDMO industry knowledge, an established network within pharma and biotech, and a proven track record of winning and growing strategic accounts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to achieve revenue and growth objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Build and maintain long‑term relationships with key decision-makers and strategic accounts.
• Lead the full business development cycle, including prospecting, customer engagement, proposals, negotiations, and contract closure.
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities and provide accurate commercial forecasting.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships and introduce additional services.
• Collaborate with technical, operations, project management, quality, legal, and finance teams to develop customer solutions and proposals.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, partnering events, and customer meetings.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify new growth opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or above in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in business development, sales, commercial strategy, or account management within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CDMO, CRO, or related life sciences industry.
• Proven track record of generating and closing complex B2B opportunities and managing strategic accounts.
• Established network and relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycles from initial engagement through contract execution.
• Experience selling CDMO services, including drug substance, drug product, process development, analytical development, or manufacturing, is highly preferred.
• Experience working with international customers and cross‑border business development is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to think strategically while maintaining hands‑on execution.
• Ability to work effectively across technical and commercial functions in an international environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

What We Offer

• A senior commercial role with significant responsibility for international business growth.
• The opportunity to work with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Exposure to innovative drug development programs and a broad range of CDMO capabilities.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and fast‑growing environment.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career progression.