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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth of Life Sciences, generating new business and managing client accounts.
- Company: Join Cambridge Design Partnership, a pioneering innovation partner in life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a discretionary bonus, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by developing groundbreaking diagnostic products.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Natural Sciences; experience in IVD or life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About The Role
CDP designs and develops point-of-care, home and lab-based in vitro diagnostics (IVD) systems and life science tools for some of the world's leading diagnostics and life-sciences companies, developing innovative products from early-stage concept through to product launch. The role involves supporting the Head of Life Sciences and Operational Lead in growing and nurturing the Life Sciences sector team. This role is responsible for generating new leads, new business, growing accounts in existing business, and delivering high-quality project work to support this. The Commercial Lead, along with the Operational Lead, will represent Life Sciences and lead by example by fulfilling the roles of Sales Leader, Client Manager, and Project Leader as the work requires. The role will involve regular travel for client meetings and conferences, including local and international travel.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute towards growth objectives agreed with the Head of Life Sciences.
- Work with the Head of Life Sciences and the wider team to identify, qualify, and maximize opportunities.
- Manage lead engagement through pitched presentations, workshops, and tailored outreach, reinforcing CDP’s value through evidence-based positioning and success narratives.
- Drive opportunity-to-contract progression by shaping proposals, refining value propositions, and negotiating terms in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
- Act as a Client Manager for selected accounts within Life Sciences.
- Support Client Managers in delivering and growing client accounts.
- Maintain the CRM, and attend Life Sciences sales meetings.
- Upskill project teams to quickly understand client challenges.
Strategy
Able to navigate the technical, user and cost trade-offs to develop ‘well balanced’ products. Leadership and communication skills to empower the team and drive £multi-million development projects efficiently and effectively towards well-defined goals. Creative and highly technical ability in many of the following areas: concept generation of consumables and reader systems; assay implementation, prototyping techniques, detail design; design of experiments; design for high volume manufacture, IVD. Comfortable presenting to clients and groups, with confident, clear and compelling communication style. Confident working in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
Experience And Education
- Degree-level education in relevant subject such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Natural Sciences.
- Career experience at medical or in vitro diagnostic device or life science tools companies, ideally having played a significant role in product launch of an in vitro diagnostic device. Alternatively, experience at a product/technology development consultancy working in the same field.
- Track record of planning and leading £multi-million development projects, taking responsibility for quality, time, and cost.
- Proven experience in account management activities, acting as technical lead in sales meetings, proposal writing and presenting.
About Us
Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) is an end-to-end innovation partner, propelling global brands and ambitious start-ups to success. We build breakthrough products and services – from insight to ideas, prototypes to production – bringing innovation to life. Our teams are multi-disciplinary, uniting scientific rigor, design ingenuity, and engineering excellence for consumer and healthcare clients. People-centred, deeply collaborative, and – above all – expert, we’re uniquely positioned to shape the future for consumers, patients, and industry. Even our ownership model is innovative: We’re 100% owned by our employees, ensuring an open culture and a total commitment to our projects’ success.
As part of our benefits package, we offer:
- flexible working
- a discretionary bonus
- excellent learning and development opportunities
- a 12% non-contributory pension
- private healthcare
- electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme
- share incentive plan
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
Commercial Lead - Life Sciences employer: Cambridge Design Partnership
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Design Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead - Life Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the life sciences sector. Attend conferences, workshops, and meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to present or pitch, make it count. Use evidence-based success stories to demonstrate how you can add value to potential clients and projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of your leads and client interactions using a CRM system. This will help you manage relationships effectively and ensure you’re always on top of your game.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Make sure your application stands out by showcasing your unique experiences and how they align with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead - Life Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Lead role. Highlight your experience in life sciences and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven growth or managed successful projects in the past. This helps us understand the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Design Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the life sciences sector and the specific products CDP develops. Brush up on in vitro diagnostics and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully generated leads and managed client accounts in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies for driving opportunity-to-contract progression and how you’ve shaped proposals that resonate with clients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership
Since this role involves leading by example, think of instances where you've empowered teams or driven projects to success. Highlight your ability to navigate challenges and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
✨Practice Your Presentation
You’ll need to present confidently to clients and groups, so practice your pitch! Focus on clear and compelling communication, and prepare to discuss how you can reinforce CDP’s value through evidence-based positioning.