At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business opportunities and build long-term partnerships in clinical development.
- Company: Join Optimapharm, a global leader in patient-focused clinical research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sales rewards, well-being initiatives, and fast career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in life sciences and help shape the future of clinical development.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in CRO deal-making and strong business development skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: home based, UK & Spain
Who we are?
Optimapharm is a mid‑sized, global Contract Research Organisation turning science into hope through agile, patient‑focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical development, delivering Full‑Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence. Beyond approval, we support continued clinical development and real‑world evidence generation to optimise product lifecycles, including repositioning and promotion of approved therapies. With 2x the patient reach of the average mid‑sized CRO and operations in 40+ countries, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways and rapid access to diverse patient populations, helping sponsors shorten study start‑up timelines and bring forward first‑patient‑in.
We’re seeking a Senior Business Development Director – If you’re a confident, visionary strategist with a drive for success, a knack for building connections, and the ability to inspire collaboration and achieve results, we want to hear from you. Ready to take the next step? Come meet us and explore how you can help shape the future of our journey.
What do we offer?
- Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
- Being part of a highly experienced clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients
- Competitive Sales Reward plan
- Employee engagement programs
- Well‑being initiatives
- Training and development program
- Fast‑paced career path progression
- Additional location‑specific benefits
Who are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience
- You’re a seasoned CRO deal‑maker with deep roots in life sciences and a strong appetite for winning new business
- You know how to open doors, build pipelines, and close complex clinical development deals
- You’re comfortable talking Phase I–IV, Full Service, and FSP with senior sponsor stakeholders
- You thrive on prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and landing long‑term partnerships
- You’re commercially sharp, results‑driven, and not afraid to chase ambitious growth targets
- You live in CRM (Salesforce is your second home) and don’t mind hopping on a plane to seal the deal
Your responsibilities
- Hunt down new business opportunities and turn cold leads into long‑term CRO partnerships
- Build, own, and relentlessly grow a high‑value sales pipeline across your territory or accounts
- Open doors, pitch boldly, and close complex Phase I–IV, Full‑Service and FSP deals
- Lead client conversations from first contact through RFPs, bid defences, and contract signature
- Represent Optimapharm with confidence to senior and C‑level sponsor stakeholders
- Partner closely with Operations and Proposals teams to turn opportunities into winning solutions
- Keep a sharp eye on the market, competitors, and trends — and act faster than everyone else
- Live in the CRM, track your progress, forecast like a pro, and hit (or beat) your targets
In short: if you love chasing opportunities, closing deals, and seeing your impact directly reflected in company growth — this role was built for you. Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.
Senior Business Development Director (m/f/d) employer: Optimapharm
Optimapharm is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets compassion in clinical development. With a strong focus on employee growth through comprehensive training and development programmes, as well as competitive rewards and well-being initiatives, team members are empowered to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives. The home-based flexibility in the UK and Spain allows for a balanced work-life integration, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to excel in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Director (m/f/d)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Business Development Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Optimapharm and understand their services inside out. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can help them grow and succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews. A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨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. We want to hear from you directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Director (m/f/d)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Business Development Director. Highlight your experience in CRO deal-making and your success in building long-term partnerships. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic vision and how you’ve successfully chased ambitious growth targets in the past. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for Optimapharm.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve opened doors, built pipelines, and closed deals. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success, even better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimapharm
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Optimapharm's services and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to clinical development, especially in Phase I–IV. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully built pipelines and closed deals in the CRO space. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver results and inspire confidence in your potential as a Senior Business Development Director.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the industry and Optimapharm's position within it. Ask about their strategies for growth or how they handle competition. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's future.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in clinical research and business development. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Optimapharm and how you can leverage them to drive success. This will highlight your proactive mindset and strategic thinking, which are crucial for this role.
