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- Tasks: Drive business growth in life sciences by developing new opportunities and managing key accounts.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding life sciences organisation with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Lead impactful projects and shape the future of medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within life sciences and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth into broader leadership positions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: UK (with flexibility for travel to company sites and client locations - US, UK, EU)
Department: Commercial / Sales / Business Development
Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Role Purpose
The Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) will drive commercial growth by developing new business, expanding key accounts, and shaping strategic opportunities across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and life sciences sectors. This role requires a blend of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and leadership capability. The successful candidate will be someone with significant industry experience who can either step directly into a teamâmanagement role or grow into one within a defined time frame.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Growth & Market Development
- Develop and execute business development plans that support the organisation's commercial strategy.
- Identify, qualify, and convert opportunities across the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotech, and related markets.
- Position the company's testing, analytical, and regulatory support services effectively for customer needs.
- Lead on complex proposal development, pricing models, and contract negotiations.
- Key Account & Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain longâterm relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor on testing and compliance requirements.
- Deepen engagement with existing accounts, identifying crossâselling and upâselling opportunities.
- Coordinate with operational, technical, and laboratory teams to ensure highâquality service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, competitor landscapes, and emerging technologies.
- Provide regular insight to the commercial leadership team to inform strategic planning.
- Assess new service areas, service enhancements, or geographic opportunities.
- Mentor junior business development and sales colleagues, supporting their development and performance.
- Contribute to the design and structure of the wider business development function.
- Take on lineâmanagement responsibility where appropriate, with the potential to grow into a broader leadership role.
- Reporting & Forecasting
- Maintain accurate pipeline information within CRM systems.
- Produce regular sales forecasts, reports, and KPI updates for the CCO and senior leadership.
- Support budgeting, target setting, and commercial planning processes.
Required Experience & Competencies
- Industry & Technical Background
- Significant experience in business development or sales within life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or contract testing/CRO/CDMO environments.
- Understanding of laboratory testing services, regulatory frameworks (e.g., GMP, GLP, ISO 17025), and compliance considerations.
- Commercial Expertise
- Proven track record of winning new business and managing complex or multiâservice deals.
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and proposal development skills.
- Ability to engage confidently with both technical and Câsuite stakeholders.
- Leadership Capability
- Experience managing or mentoring team members or a clear ability to step into a management role soon.
- Strong organisational, planning, and decisionâmaking skills.
- Analytical & Operational Skills
- Comfortable working with CRM tools and commercial analytics.
- Ability to interpret and present both commercial and technical information effectively.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, engineering, business, or a related discipline (required).
- Professional commercial or scientific memberships (advantageous).
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts.
- Collaborative, approachable, and able to build rapport quickly.
- Accountable, resilient, and able to lead through change.
- Customerâcentric, with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
- Proactive, resourceful, and motivated by continuous improvement.
What the Organisation Offers
- A senior commercial role with the opportunity to build or lead part of the business development function.
- A supportive, growthâoriented environment within a rapidly expanding life sciences organisation.
- Competitive compensation with performance incentives.
- Career progression into broader commercial or leadership roles.
- Regular professional development and exposure to technical subject matter experts.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Fullâtime
Job function: Business Development, Management, and Sales
Industries: Medical Equipment Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Hospitals and Health Care
Senior Business Development Manager in London employer: Sci-Rec
Contact Detail:
Sci-Rec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes itâs not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Business Development Manager role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their services, recent news, and industry trends. We want to see you shine as a knowledgeable candidate who can engage confidently with C-suite stakeholders.
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Even if you havenât managed a team yet, highlight experiences where youâve mentored others or taken charge of projects. Weâre looking for someone who can grow into a management role, so let us see that potential!
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and resourcefulâqualities that are key for a Senior Business Development Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development within life sciences and showcase any relevant achievements that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth and built key client relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and potentially managing a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Let us know how you've supported team members and contributed to their success.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sci-Rec
â¨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in the life sciences, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals sectors. Being able to discuss current industry challenges and opportunities will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
â¨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully driven business growth in previous roles. Highlight your experience with complex proposals, pricing models, and negotiations. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company's commercial strategy right from the start.
â¨Build Rapport with Key Stakeholders
During the interview, focus on your ability to engage with both technical teams and C-suite executives. Share stories that illustrate your relationship-building skills and how you've acted as a trusted advisor to clients. This is crucial for a role that involves managing key accounts.
â¨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Even if you're not currently in a management role, be ready to discuss how you've mentored others or taken the lead on projects. Companies are looking for candidates who can grow into leadership positions, so showcasing your organisational and decision-making skills will set you apart.