Vice President of Business Development

Strativ Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity-based compensation

Significant growth opportunities

Job summary

A venture-backed AI drug discovery start-up in San Francisco seeks a Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships. This role involves owning the sales cycle, driving the adoption of innovative software and service solutions, and managing key accounts in the life sciences sector. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of B2B sales experience, particularly in drug discovery, and holds an advanced degree in chemistry. The company offers competitive salary and significant growth opportunities as it scales.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of B2B sales experience, with 4 years in leadership.
• Successful track record selling to scientific stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of small-molecule drug discovery processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive adoption of software and services offerings.
• Manage the full sales cycle from outreach to closing.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Customer-first mindset

Education

PhD or MS in chemistry

Job description

💼 Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships – Life Sciences AI Platform

💻 Venture Backed AI Drug Discovery Research Start-up

About the Company

A rapidly growing technology company in the AI-driven drug discovery sector is developing a collaborative platform designed to accelerate and optimize the process of creating new human therapeutics. The organization has established adoption through active use in multiple drug discovery programs and is backed by top-tier investors. The team comprises leading experts in technology and drug discovery, and the company is poised for expansion of its commercial and go-to-market activities.

Role Overview

The VP BD & Partnerships will be responsible for driving adoption of software and services offerings, shaping customer solutions, and managing the full sales cycle. This position is central to expanding commercial operations and refining growth strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end sales for software and services, from initial outreach to closing deals, ensuring a tailored and consultative experience for customers.
• Proactively build and maintain a robust pipeline via networking, outbound outreach, and participation in key industry events and conferences.
• Collaborate with internal experts to deliver customer‑specific solutions that reinforce scientific and technical credibility.
• Manage and expand key accounts, focusing on renewals and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sales strategies, tools, and materials to enhance customer experience and business outcomes.
• Represent the company at external conferences, events, and meetings with customers.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of B2B sales experience, with 4 years in leadership, in the life sciences sector, and a successful track record selling to scientific, innovation or technical stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of small‑molecule drug discovery processes, particularly in lead optimization.
• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in chemistry, ideally with a specialization in medicinal or organic chemistry.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, able to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Self‑driven, organized, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, start‑up environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross‑functionally and handle ambiguity effectively.
• Strong in negotiation, objection handling, deal execution, and closing.
• Demonstrates a customer‑first mindset, high integrity, and a strong sense of ownership.
• Competitive salary and equity‑based compensation.
• Significant growth opportunities in alignment with the company’s rapid scaling.

If you are interested please apply above or reach out directly with your resume to: [e-mail]. Please note that due to large number of applicants there may be a delay in feedback.