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- Tasks: Lead enterprise business development and build strategic partnerships in life sciences.
- Company: Pioneering life science organisation with a global reach.
- Benefits: Autonomy, ownership, and the chance to shape commercial strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in life science sales and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for significant career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced commercial leader who thrives in long-cycle, enterprise-level business development? Do you enjoy building high-value strategic partnerships within research-use life science markets? Are you motivated by autonomy, ownership, and the opportunity to shape commercial strategy in a high-growth environment?
Fraser Dove International is partnering exclusively with a pioneering life science organisation. Operating across Europe with global commercial reach, they are committed to advancing research innovation through differentiated technologies and strategic collaborations. Our client is seeking a senior, hands-on commercial leader to own and scale enterprise business development partnerships across academia, biopharma, and strategic industry partners.
Your objectives: As the Vice President of Business Development, you will be measured against the following objectives:
- Build and convert a high-quality enterprise opportunity pipeline that delivers predictable, long-term revenue growth.
- Structure and close strategic collaborations that balance near-term commercial value with long-term optionality.
- Establish disciplined, transparent business development processes that support forecasting, decision making, and cross-functional alignment.
What you will do: As the Vice President of Business Development, your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Own full-cycle enterprise business development from prospecting through negotiation, contracting, and post-signature execution.
- Engage senior stakeholders and C-suite decision makers across academia, biopharma, and strategic industry partners.
- Design and negotiate complex commercial structures, including value-based pricing, collaborations, and co-marketing models.
- Maintain rigorous Customer Relationship Management (CRM) discipline, ensuring accurate forecasting, documentation, and handover.
- Act as the senior commercial face to key partners while personally driving outreach, follow-up, and deal progression.
- Collaborate closely with Research and Development (R&D) and Operations to align partner needs with technical and operational delivery.
- Build and refine scalable business development processes suited to a lean, high-growth environment.
These are the skills and experience you will need to succeed as the Vice President of Business Development:
- Significant experience selling research-use life science technologies to academic and biopharma customers.
- A proven track record of closing long-cycle, enterprise-level commercial deals with complex stakeholders.
- Strong commercial and strategic judgement, with confidence in negotiation and deal structuring.
- High autonomy, resilience, and comfort operating in an evolving, startup-style environment.
- Excellent communication skills with credibility at senior and executive level.
- A Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent degree in a relevant life science or commercial discipline.
- An advanced degree or postgraduate qualification is desirable.
Got what it takes? To apply for the Vice President of Business Development, click the ‘Apply’ button.
Vice President of Business Development in Reading employer: Fraser Dove International
Contact Detail:
Fraser Dove International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President of Business Development in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend conferences, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know in the life sciences space, the better your chances of landing that VP role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a killer pitch that highlights your experience in closing complex deals and building strategic partnerships. When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, make sure they see you as the go-to person for business development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not hiring. Express your interest and share how you can add value to their business development efforts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Let’s get you that Vice President position!
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President of Business Development in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in enterprise-level business development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in building strategic partnerships!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a VP, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Share specific examples that illustrate your ability to drive results.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role. Highlight your key accomplishments and ensure your passion for the life sciences shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fraser Dove International
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the life science sector, especially focusing on research-use technologies. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their strategic partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare specific examples of complex deals you've closed in the past. Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and how you structured those deals to create value for all parties involved. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic judgement, which are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Practice how you would engage with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders. Think about the types of questions they might ask and how you can address their concerns while showcasing your vision for business development. This will highlight your excellent communication skills and credibility at the executive level.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research Fraser Dove International and their client’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal goals align with their objectives in advancing research innovation. Showing that you understand and resonate with their vision will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
