Business Development manager - API

We are a fast-growing Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation based in Europe, providing high-quality API development and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients worldwide. As we expand our commercial footprint, we are looking for a driven and experienced Business Development Manager to help us grow our client base and deepen existing partnerships across the European market and beyond.

As Business Development Manager, you will be the primary commercial interface between our CDMO and prospective and existing clients. You will identify new business opportunities, build lasting client relationships, and work closely with our technical and operations teams to translate client needs into tailored service proposals. This is a remote role open to candidates based anywhere in Europe, with regular travel to client sites, industry events, and our manufacturing facilities expected.

• Business Development & Sales
  • Identify, target, and develop new business opportunities with pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty chemical companies requiring API development and manufacturing services.
  • Manage and grow a pipeline of prospects from initial contact through to contract execution.
  • Prepare and present compelling proposals, capabilities presentations, and commercial offers tailored to client needs.
  • Negotiate terms and close agreements in collaboration with senior leadership and legal counsel.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of existing accounts, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and long-term retention.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with clients to identify expansion opportunities and address evolving needs.
  • Act as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring client requirements are clearly communicated to technical, regulatory, and project management teams.
• Market Intelligence & Strategy
  • Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within the CDMO and API landscape.
  • Provide regular input to commercial strategy, pricing discussions, and service offering development.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and partnering events across Europe.
• Internal Collaboration
  • Work cross-functionally with R&D, process chemistry, regulatory affairs, quality, and project management to develop technically sound and commercially competitive proposals.
  • Provide accurate and timely sales forecasting and pipeline reporting to senior management.

• Experience
  • 4+ years of business development, sales, or account management experience within a CDMO, CRO, or closely related pharmaceutical services environment.
  • Demonstrable experience with API development and/or manufacturing services, including small molecule synthesis, process development, or scale-up.
  • Proven track record of winning new business and managing complex, long-cycle sales processes in a B2B environment.
  • Experience working with clients across the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology sectors.
• Knowledge & Skills
  • Solid understanding of the drug development and manufacturing lifecycle, particularly as it relates to API and small molecule programmes.
  • Familiarity with GMP manufacturing environments and regulatory requirements relevant to API production (ICH guidelines, FDA, EMA).
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess client needs, structure proposals, and negotiate contracts.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both scientific and commercial stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
  • Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Education
  • Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, life sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
  • An MBA or business qualification is advantageous but not required.
• Other
  • Fluency in English is essential; additional European languages are a strong advantage.
  • Willingness and ability to travel regularly across Europe (estimated 30–40%).
  • Must be based in and have the right to work in Europe.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus.
• Remote‑first working culture with flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunity to make a tangible commercial impact in a growing organisation.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with direct access to senior leadership.
• Support for professional development and industry event participation.