Sr. Business Development Director - Early Phase

Fortrea; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

STD/LTD

401(k) Plan

ESPP

Paid Time Off

Company Bonus

Job summary

Fortrea is seeking a Senior Business Development Director, Early Phase in Dallas, TX to lead portfolio growth across high-priority accounts. You will shape commercial strategy, engage senior client and internal stakeholders, and drive revenue growth with enterprise-wide solutions.

This role requires 7+ years in business development in clinical research or biotech, plus 6+ years in senior leadership. You will negotiate multi-year contracts, manage complex deals, and expand the client base while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; relevant experience considered in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated mastery of complex deal structuring, negotiation, and multi-year contracts.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior client stakeholders.
• Experience managing strategic, enterprise-level accounts in pharma/biotech/drug development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies across high-priority accounts to drive growth and revenue targets.
• Create and manage strategic account plans and partnerships aligned to long-term objectives.
• Lead opportunities, pricing considerations, and margins in collaboration with Client Services.
• Own pipeline accuracy, forecasting, and internal communications within a matrixed organization.
• Lead client presentations and contribute to proposal development to generate new business opportunities.

Skills

Deal structuring

Negotiation

Executive presence

Strategic account management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview:

The Senior Business Development Director, Early Phase leads portfolio-level growth by developing and executing strategies that expand market presence and maximize account value, focused on a broader portfolio of high-priority accounts. The role engages senior client and internal stakeholders to influence commercial direction and ensure alignment of solutions with enterprise objectives. The Senior Director is accountable for driving sustainable revenue growth, enhancing competitive positioning, and delivering measurable business outcomes across the portfolio.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy Development

• Develop and execute business development strategies across a broader portfolio of high-priority accounts to drive growth and achieve revenue targets.
• Create and manage strategic account plans and partnerships with key, high-value accounts aligned to long-term business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive intelligence to proactively identify and pursue new opportunities.

Sales Targets & Client Acquisition

• Achieve or exceed annual sales targets through proactive, senior-level client engagement and strategic networking.
• Build, maintain, and expand client relationships to drive long-term account value.
• Effectively position the business unit's capabilities and differentiation.
• Evaluate quotations and collaborate with Client Services to determine pricing and margins.
• Own opportunity management, pipeline accuracy, and forecasting.
• Drive internal communication and maintain required territory and client documentation.
• Contribute to proposal development and lead client presentations.
• Leverage industry insights and existing relationships to generate new business opportunities.
• Perform all other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications (Minimum Required):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic qualification.
• Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements.
• Accountable for scaling and diversifying the client base through enterprise-level business development strategies.
• Demonstrated mastery of complex deal structuring, negotiation, and multi-year contract execution.
• Strong understanding of business strategy with the ability to shape strategy for a broader portfolio of accounts.
• Deep expertise in drug development and market dynamics to proactively shape pipeline strategy and growth priorities.
• Strong customer relationship management capabilities and commercial judgment at senior client levels.
• Recognized commercial leader with proven negotiation experience at the executive level.
• Strong executive presence with a proven ability to influence senior client stakeholders and internal leaders.
• Drives performance through influence and accountability within a matrixed environment.
• Frequent travel is required based on business need.

Experience (Minimum Required):

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in business development within the Clinical Research, Pharma, or Biotech industry.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in senior leadership or strategic client management roles.
• Proven track record of achieving significant sales targets and managing high-value client accounts.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Flexibility to participate in meetings across various time zones outside core working hours.
• Occasionally working extended hours to adhere to client deliverable timelines or attend client meetings.
• Client base to include domestic, regional, or transatlantic responsibilities.

Pay Range: $145,000-$160,000 (The range does not include benefits, and if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity)

Benefits:

All job offers will be based on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), and Company bonus where applicable. For more detailed information, please click here.

Application deadline: September 30, 2026

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.