At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth of Life Sciences by generating new business and managing client accounts.
- Company: Join Cambridge Design Partnership, a pioneering innovation partner in life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, bonuses, private healthcare, and a share incentive plan.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences sector with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Natural Sciences; experience in IVD or life science tools.
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
Commercial Lead - Life Sciences employer: Cambridge Design
Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee ownership, we foster a culture of openness and commitment, providing excellent learning and development opportunities alongside flexible working arrangements. Our comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme, ensures that our team members are well-supported as they contribute to groundbreaking projects in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead - Life Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meet-ups to connect with potential clients and colleagues. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself and share your passion for life sciences!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects and successes in the life sciences sector. When you get the chance to present, make it count by highlighting how you’ve driven results.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in following up! After meetings or networking events, drop a quick email to thank them for their time and express your interest in collaborating. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can contribute to our innovative projects. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
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 - Life Sciences role. Highlight your relevant experience in life sciences and diagnostics, and show us how you can contribute to our growth objectives.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of projects you've led or accounts you've grown, especially those that align with the role's requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a compelling narrative that showcases your skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the life sciences sector and the specific products CDP develops. Brush up on your knowledge of in vitro diagnostics and be ready to discuss recent trends or innovations in the field. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Commercial Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led projects or teams. Highlight how you empowered others and drove projects towards success, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Understand that this role involves generating new leads and managing client accounts. Be ready to discuss your strategies for identifying opportunities and engaging clients. Share specific examples of how you’ve tailored your outreach or presentations to meet client needs and reinforce value propositions.
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since the role involves regular travel for client meetings and conferences, express your willingness and enthusiasm for this aspect. Share any relevant experiences you have with travel in a professional context, and how you’ve managed to maintain productivity while on the go.
