Director of Business Development in Bolton

Director of Business Development – CRO (Europe-focused)

We have recently partnered with a full-service Contract Research Organisation that is looking to appoint a Director of Business Development to play a key role in driving its next phase of growth.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially driven BD professional who wants to step into a visible, strategic role with clear progression into senior leadership as the organisation continues to scale across Europe and Globally.

The Opportunity

Reporting into senior leadership, this role will focus on expanding the company’s European footprint while supporting longer-term plans for global growth. You’ll be trusted to own relationships, influence strategy, and help shape how the business competes and wins in a competitive CRO landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new business development activities across Europe, targeting biotech and pharma sponsors
• Own and grow a strong pipeline of opportunities across multiple therapeutic areas
• Drive end-to-end BD processes, from lead generation through to proposal development and deal closure
• Partner closely with operations, proposals, and senior leadership to ensure commercial alignment
• Represent the organisation at industry conferences and networking events
• Contribute to longer-term global expansion initiatives as the business scales

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years’ experience in Business Development within a CRO environment
• Proven track record of winning new business across European markets
• Strong understanding of full-service CRO offerings and sponsor expectations
• Comfortable operating in a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial environment
• Experience with global accounts or international expansion is a strong advantage
• Ambitious, commercially minded, and motivated by long-term career progression

Why This Role?

• Join a growing, full-service CRO with a strong reputation and momentum
• Highly visible role with direct influence on growth strategy
• Clear pathway into a broader commercial or leadership position
• Opportunity to help shape European growth with global expansion on the horizon