At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build Helical's sales strategy while closing high-value deals.
- Company: Join an innovative AI-native lab transforming biology and drug discovery.
- Benefits: High ownership, direct impact, and potential for career growth to CRO.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with founders in a dynamic, early-stage environment.
- Why this job: Shape a category-defining company at a pivotal moment in its journey.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in enterprise sales and building GTM strategies.
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 in London employer: Helical
Helical is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the AI-driven biology sector. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees are empowered to shape the future of drug discovery while enjoying a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and creativity. The opportunity to build and lead a commercial function from the ground up, alongside a talented team, ensures that every member can thrive and advance their career in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of BD in London
✨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 pharma and biotech can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your sales skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your past wins in closing complex deals. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be the AI advocate! Since Helical is all about AI in drug discovery, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of how AI can transform sales processes. Talk about any experience you have with AI-first workflows in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining us on this exciting journey to build and scale Helical's commercial function.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of BD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and drug discovery shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at Helical, so don’t hold back on sharing what excites you about this role!
Tailor Your Playbook:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Sales position. Highlight your experience in building GTM strategies and closing complex deals, as this is what we’re really looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills that match the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helical
✨Know the Playbook Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Helical's business model and the AI-native lab concept. Familiarise yourself with their current partnerships and how they’re transforming drug discovery. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to building the GTM strategy.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of complex enterprise deals you've closed in the past. Highlight your experience in navigating multi-stakeholder environments, especially with scientific buyers. This will demonstrate your ability to own the full sales cycle and win new logos effectively.
✨Emphasise Your AI-First Mindset
Since Helical is focused on AI-driven solutions, be ready to discuss how you've leveraged AI in your previous roles. Share insights on how you can implement AI-first sales workflows to enhance prospecting and pipeline management, showcasing your alignment with their innovative approach.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
Helical is looking for someone comfortable operating in uncertain environments. Think of examples where you've thrived in ambiguity, taken ownership of outcomes, and built something from scratch. This will show that you're ready to take on the challenges of a player-coach role and drive strategic growth.
