At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sales strategy and close high-value deals in the biotech sector.
- Company: Join Helical, an innovative AI-native lab transforming biology experimentation.
- Benefits: High ownership role with direct impact and potential for career advancement.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate closely with founders and drive strategic growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of drug discovery while building a high-performing commercial team.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in enterprise sales and experience in early-stage environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Own the Playbook. Win the Logos. Build the GTM. Helical is building the AI-native lab for biology; replacing slow, costly wet lab experimentation with scalable, virtual discovery. Our platform is already deployed with leading global pharma, enabling teams to run millions of experiments in days, not years. We have product-market traction. Now we’re scaling and looking for someone to build and lead that journey.
We’re hiring a Head of Sales to own new business and build Helical’s commercial function from the ground up. This is a player-coach role. You’ll be responsible for closing high-value deals yourself, while also shaping how we go to market; defining the playbook, building pipeline, and laying the foundations for a high-performing commercial team. This is not a "manage and inherit" role. This is build, sell, and scale.
Requirements
- Win New Business
- Land new logos across top pharma and large biotech
- Own the full sales cycle from prospecting to close
- Navigate complex, multi-stakeholder deals with scientific buyers
- Build the GTM Engine
- Define and execute the go-to-market strategy
- Build repeatable pipeline, qualification, and forecasting processes
- Implement AI-first sales workflows across prospecting and pipeline management
- Hire, mentor, and scale the early commercial team
- Drive Strategic Growth
- Develop partnerships across pharma, tech, and research ecosystems
- Expand Helical’s footprint through high-value relationships and collaborations
- Be the Market Face
- Represent Helical with credibility at key industry events and conferences
- Build relationships with decision-makers in discovery, computational biology, and AI
Who You Are
- Proven track record of closing complex enterprise deals and winning new logos
- Experience building GTM and sales functions from scratch (early-stage environments)
- Strong ability to sell into technical and scientific stakeholders
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and owning outcomes end-to-end
- AI-first mindset—you leverage AI across your workflows to drive better results
- Deep interest in how AI is transforming drug discovery
- Proven product already in use with top pharma
- Opportunity to shape a category-defining company at an inflection point
- High ownership, direct impact, and close collaboration with founders
- Clear trajectory to CRO / full commercial leadership
Head of BD employer: Helical
Helical is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven biology. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees are empowered to take ownership of their roles while benefiting from a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and creativity. The opportunity to shape a category-defining company at an inflection point, along with clear pathways to leadership positions, makes Helical an attractive choice for ambitious professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of BD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at conferences and events. Building relationships with decision-makers in the pharma and biotech space can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your sales chops! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to share specific examples of how you've closed complex deals. They want to see that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Helical, and express your interest in building their commercial function. We love a go-getter!
✨Tip Number 4
Leverage AI in your job search! Use tools and platforms that can help you streamline your applications and follow-ups. At StudySmarter, we believe in working smarter, not harder, so make sure you're using every resource available to you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of BD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Own Your Narrative:When you’re writing your application, make sure to own your story. Highlight your experience in closing complex deals and building sales functions from scratch. We want to see how your journey aligns with our mission at Helical.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples of how you've navigated multi-stakeholder deals or implemented successful go-to-market strategies. This is your chance to show us you can build and scale like a pro.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also a great fit for our culture. Share your passion for AI and drug discovery, and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Helical.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helical
✨Know the Playbook Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Helical's platform and how it revolutionises the lab experimentation process. Familiarise yourself with their current clients and the impact of their AI-native solutions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can contribute to building the GTM strategy.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in closing complex deals and winning new logos. Be ready to discuss the strategies you employed and how you navigated multi-stakeholder environments. This is your chance to demonstrate that you have the proven track record they’re looking for.
✨Emphasise Your AI-First Mindset
Since Helical is focused on AI-driven solutions, highlight your experience with AI in sales workflows. Discuss how you've leveraged technology to enhance your sales processes and outcomes. This will align perfectly with their vision and show that you’re a forward-thinking candidate.
✨Be Ready to Build and Scale
This role is all about building from the ground up, so come prepared with ideas on how you would approach establishing the commercial function. Think about the processes you would implement for pipeline management and forecasting, and be ready to share your vision for hiring and mentoring a high-performing team.
