Business Development Manager in Manchester

Help life sciences deliver more equitable clinical trials. COUCH Health is a purpose-driven global creative health engagement agency, working with the life sciences industry to make health experiences more inclusive, equitable, accessible and human. Our mission is rooted in a simple truth: people can’t access treatments they deserve if they’re not seen, heard, represented, or able to take part in research. We exist to help change that - by improving the way the industry engages with patients, communities, and healthcare professionals, and by removing barriers to participation in clinical trials.

This is a new business-focused, consultative sales role where you’ll help expand COUCH’s impact and commercial growth.

• Business Development & New Customer Growth
  • Build and progress a strong pipeline through proactive outreach, networking, events, referrals, and partnerships.
  • Lead discovery conversations with pharma and clinical trial teams to understand challenges, timelines, and success measures.
  • Position COUCH’s capabilities clearly - linking engagement, inclusion and patient insight directly to trial outcomes.
  • Develop proposals and presentations that demonstrate value, credibility, and measurable impact.
  • Negotiate commercials and close high-value work, bringing new customers into COUCH.
• Partnership & Industry-Led Growth
  • Use your industry understanding to help COUCH stay ahead of a changing clinical trial landscape.
  • Spot opportunities to develop services, embrace new technology, and evolve our offering in line with client needs.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure what we sell is deliverable, valuable, and genuinely patient-first.
• Team Contribution & Office Culture
  • Work as part of a 3-person commercial team, based in our cool Manchester city-centre offices.
  • Contribute to a fun, vibrant, high-energy culture where people celebrate wins and support each other.
  • Share what you’re seeing in the market so we learn fast, improve quickly, and win better work.

What success looks like in this role: Success isn’t just activity - it’s outcomes. You’ll be successful if you:

• Build and progress a strong pipeline with consistent movement and momentum.
• Win new customers through consultative, value-led selling.
• Bring commercial opportunities that align to COUCH’s mission and strengths.
• Influence solution development by staying close to client needs and industry change.
• Become a trusted voice internally on what the market wants and how we should win.

About you: We’re looking for someone who is commercially driven, confident, and motivated by both results and purpose. You’ll be a great fit if you have:

• A track record in B2B consultative sales (ideally within pharma, clinical trials, or healthcare).
• Confidence navigating multiple decision-makers and both long and short sales cycles.
• Strong commercial instincts - you enjoy building pipeline, negotiating, and delivering results.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach: you create momentum, follow through, and don’t wait to be chased.

Nice to have (not essential):

• Experience with patient recruitment, clinical trial operations, CROs, or health engagement.
• Knowledge of health equity challenges and what blocks participation in clinical research.
• Experience selling services (rather than a simple product sale).

If you’re excited about the role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Why join COUCH:

• Purpose with real-world impact: your work helps improve access, inclusion, and equity in healthcare.
• Commercial opportunity: competitive earnings potential with OTE of £100k + uncapped commission.
• High-energy team: join an ambitious, passionate group who want to win - for COUCH, for clients, and for patients.
• A clear mission and point of view: we’re here to make health human.
• Great office environment: work from Manchester city centre alongside a team that enjoys being in the room together.

Working style & location: This role is office-based in central Manchester and is best suited to someone who enjoys building relationships in-person, working at pace, and being part of a collaborative, social team environment.

Compensation:

• Basic salary: £35,000
• OTE: £80,000
• Commission: Uncapped

Inclusion & equal opportunities: We’re committed to building a team with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences—just as we’re committed to creating more inclusive health experiences through our work. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know—we’ll do our best to support you.

Apply: Apply via LinkedIn with your CV. A cover letter isn’t required, but you’re welcome to include a short note answering: “Why COUCH, and what makes you confident you can win customers in this space?”