At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and manage strategic client relationships in biotech.
- Company: Join a pioneering biotech firm dedicated to improving human health.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in life sciences while driving innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in biotech commercial services with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Nuclera is a venture-backed, founder-driven biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Boston, USA. The company’s mission is to improve human health by making proteins accessible. We are beginning this mission through the launch of our eProtein Discovery™ platform. eProtein Discovery is a breakthrough protein expression, characterization, and purification technology, consisting of a lab-based benchtop instrument, cloud-based software and proprietary cartridges and consumables. The goal is to enable rapid protein access to life science researchers around the world.
About the role:
- Key responsibilities of this position include the following:
- Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management of Lab Services
- Lead pricing discussions and commercial negotiations
- Negotiate: MSAs (Master Service Agreements), CDAs/NDAs, Statements of Work, Service agreements, Vendor/service contracts
- Work closely with Key Account Managers, Service Fulfillment, finance, operations, and scientific teams
- Balance profitability with client relationship management
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and procurement requirements
- Strategic Client Relationship Management
- Build relationships with pharma executives, procurement teams, R&D leaders
- Manage key accounts and renewals
- Drive repeat business and long-term partnerships
- Act as executive sponsor for major clients
- Proposal, Bid & RFP Management
- Lead proposal strategy and bid responses
- Coordinate technical/scientific inputs
- Develop tailored client solutions
- Manage timelines for complex bids
- Prepare commercial models and pricing structures
- Market & Commercial Strategy
- Analyze market trends and competitor activity
- Identify new service lines and growth opportunities
- Support market expansion across regions
- Contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline reporting
Requirements
- Essential 8+ years of life science/biotech commercial services negotiations experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role
- Advanced life-science degree (PhD preferred; MSc/MBA acceptable with equivalent experience) with significant industry experience
- Deep antibody and/or membrane protein expertise: Hands-on experience in protein expression and purification workflows, with a strong grasp of CFPS and related technologies
- Commercial acumen and negotiation skills: History of translating scientific insights into compelling service offerings that achieve strong market adoption and revenue targets
- Influence & communication: Exceptional ability to align stakeholders—from bench scientists to executives—through clear, persuasive storytelling of complex scientific concepts
- Strong organizational skills.
- Eligible to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) and/or the biotechnology industry.
- Prior work in high-growth startup settings.
Benefits
What we offer: In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Company bonus scheme of 5%
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance and cash plan
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays
- Enhanced employer's pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity and paternity Leave
- Investment in professional development and learning
- Access to amenities on Vision Park and in Histon
- Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office
- Organised team events
Commercial Associate Director - Services in Cambridge employer: Nuclera
Nuclera is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Cambridge, UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, competitive benefits including a company bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and enhanced leave policies. Join us in our mission to revolutionise protein accessibility while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions and encourages meaningful relationships with industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Associate Director - Services in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the biotech and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Nuclera and understand their eProtein Discovery™ platform inside out. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve human health. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves contract negotiations and commercial management, brush up on your techniques. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence. We believe that being prepared can make all the difference when it comes to landing that job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So go ahead, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Associate Director - Services in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Associate Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in life sciences and biotech, especially in contract negotiation and client relationship management. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Nuclera!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've successfully driven revenue or built strong client relationships. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific and relevant. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application goes directly to our hiring team and allows us to process it more efficiently. Plus, you'll get a feel for our company culture while you're there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclera
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protein expression and purification workflows. Familiarise yourself with the eProtein Discovery™ platform and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve human health.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past contract negotiations you've led, especially in the life sciences or biotech sectors. Be ready to discuss how you balanced profitability with client relationships, as this role heavily focuses on commercial management.
✨Build Rapport with Key Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to connect with various stakeholders, from bench scientists to executives. Prepare stories that showcase your influence and communication skills, particularly in managing key accounts and driving long-term partnerships.
✨Market Awareness is Key
Research current market trends and competitor activities in the biotech space. Be prepared to discuss potential growth opportunities and how you would contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline reporting in your role.
