Life Sciences BD Leader – Strategic Growth

FBT Gibbons; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

FBT Gibbons LLP is 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related area.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a B2B, professional services or legal setting.
• 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 with initiative, high energy and curiosity.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Excellent influential and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to travel across the firm’s national footprint; some overnight travel required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio including the Life Sciences Industry Team, IP and DDAT, and key clients teams; oversee priorities, resources and execution with leaders.
• Work with BDD and CBDO on strategic initiatives and delegate leadership when needed.
• Collaborate with Practice Services Directors and Department Chairs on performance and new service offerings.
• Drive and administer support for Industry Team and Practice Group pursuits.
• Create and implement business development strategies; identify clients, cross‑servicing and proposals; coach attorneys; gather feedback; lead marketing and thought leadership efforts.
• Oversee BDAs and BDCs on portfolio projects.
• Define timelines and benchmarks for opportunities and drive accountability.
• Manage RFPs and pitches for new business.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Finance, Data & Innovation, IS, DEI&B, Pricing, PM and Legal Talent on initiatives.
• Contribute to leadership functions including process/resource development and meeting facilitation.
• Assist in budget development and management for groups and initiatives.
• Develop insights on legal industry and client trends and opportunities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Negotiation skills

Self-starter

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related area

Job description

FBT Gibbons LLP is 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