Senior Director Business Development

LumaBio Partners; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

LumaBio Partners is seeking a Business Development Director for Global Clinical Trials in the United States. This pivotal role involves leading outbound strategies to promote our clinical trial capabilities to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. You will leverage our global infrastructure and regulatory expertise to establish long-term partnerships.

The ideal candidate has significant experience and an established network in the U.S. life sciences ecosystem, with proven success in selling international CRO services.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments.
• 3+ years in business development for clinical trial services.
• Strong understanding of ICH-GCP and international regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute outbound sales strategies for clinical trials.
• Build relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage the sales cycle.

Skills

Business development

Clinical trial solutions

Client engagement

Regulatory expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

MBA, MSc, PhD preferred

Job description

Business Development Director Global Clinical Trials

About the Company

Our client is a globally recognised clinical research organisation supporting biotech and pharmaceutical companies with end-to-end clinical development solutions across Phase I–IV and real-world evidence studies.

With more than 25 years of experience and a strong scientific foundation across multiple therapeutic areas, the organisation combines global operational capabilities with deep regional expertise across Asia‑Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Their international footprint enables faster patient recruitment, strong regulatory execution, and high‑quality trial delivery for sponsors conducting complex global studies.

The company partners with emerging biotech innovators as well as many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical organisations, helping accelerate the development of new therapies through scientifically driven and operationally focused clinical research.

About the Role

The Business Development Director will lead outbound commercial strategy focused on promoting global clinical trial capabilities to biotech and biopharmaceutical companies across the United States.

This role will play a key part in positioning the organisation as a preferred CRO partner for sponsors seeking high‑quality, cost‑efficient global and multi‑regional clinical trial execution. The successful individual will leverage the company’s international infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and access to diverse patient populations across North America, APAC, Europe, and other key regions.

The ideal candidate will bring an established network within the US life sciences ecosystem, strong knowledge of global clinical development pathways, and a successful track record selling international CRO services to biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and execute targeted outbound sales strategies focused on global and multi‑regional clinical trial opportunities.
• Identify and engage biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors planning international clinical development programs.
• Position the organisation as a strategic partner for companies seeking to expand clinical activities into global markets.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across clinical development, outsourcing, and R&D functions.
• Lead capability presentations and solution discussions highlighting global operational expertise and therapeutic strengths.
• Establish long‑term partnerships with biotech and pharma organisations across the US market.

Proposal Development & Commercial Negotiation

• Partner with internal clinical operations, biometrics, regulatory, and proposal teams to develop tailored proposals and budgets.
• Lead contract negotiations while ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and internal governance.
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation through contract execution.
• Monitor trends across the biotech and pharmaceutical landscape, including globalisation strategies and outsourcing activity.
• Track competitor positioning and identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Provide commercial and market insights to leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with project delivery and operational teams to ensure smooth transition from business development through study start‑up.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on webinars, case studies, and US‑focused commercial campaigns.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, or a related discipline required.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, PhD) preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience within CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments.
• At least 3 years of direct business development experience focused on clinical trial services.
• Proven track record selling international or multi‑regional clinical trial solutions to biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors.
• Strong understanding of global clinical development, ICH‑GCP, and international regulatory frameworks.
• Established network within the US biotech and emerging pharma ecosystem.
• Highly self‑motivated, commercially driven, and comfortable operating within a fast‑paced global environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically for client meetings and industry conferences (approximately 40–50%).