Senior Business Development Leader

The position of Senior Business Development Leader sits within a globally recognised contract development and manufacturing organisation that focuses on complex synthetic biopharmaceutical molecules. The company works hand‑in‑hand with top biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, providing support that spans early‑stage discovery, clinical development and full‑scale commercial production. In this role you will craft and roll out commercial strategies aimed at meeting yearly revenue targets, while scouting and qualifying new prospects across the European region and other markets as required. You will steer the entire sales process—from initial contact through to contract signing—and nurture deeper ties with current strategic accounts. Close collaboration with technical, project‑management, operations and executive groups will be essential for aligning proposals, pricing and negotiations, as well as for keeping opportunity data current in the CRM and delivering regular pipeline and performance reports. Monitoring industry shifts, competitive activity and emerging therapeutic areas, as well as representing the firm at selected conferences and client gatherings, also forms part of the daily agenda. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, chemistry, biochemistry or a related field; an MBA or comparable advanced qualification is advantageous. Proven business‑development experience within CDMO, peptide, oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical service environments is required, together with a record of securing large, technically complex service contracts. Prior work in European markets is strongly preferred, and fluency in one or more European languages is considered a plus. The role demands up to 50 % travel, a valid passport and driver’s licence, and strong analytical, negotiation, strategic planning and communication abilities, alongside a high degree of discretion. Additional assets include an advanced degree, multilingual capability and familiarity with market trends and competitive dynamics. Reporting directly to senior executives, the position offers a senior‑level, full‑time platform to drive commercial growth across Europe, with extensive travel and a commitment to confidentiality. The employer upholds an affirmative‑action policy, welcoming