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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and develop strategic opportunities in life sciences and medical sectors.
- Company: 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 healthcare innovation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in business development within life sciences or medical devices.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and exposure to technical experts in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 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 team‑management 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 long‑term relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor on testing and compliance requirements.
- Deepen engagement with existing accounts, identifying cross‑selling and up‑selling opportunities.
- Coordinate with operational, technical, and laboratory teams to ensure high‑quality 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 line‑management 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 multi‑service deals.
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and proposal development skills.
- Ability to engage confidently with both technical and C‑suite stakeholders.
- Leadership Capability
- Experience managing or mentoring team members or a clear ability to step into a management role soon.
- Strong organisational, planning, and decision‑making 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.
- Customer‑centric, 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, growth‑oriented 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: Full‑time
Job function: Business Development, Management, and Sales
Industries: Medical Equipment Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Hospitals and Health Care
Senior Business Development Manager employer: Sci-Rec
Contact Detail:
Sci-Rec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Senior Business Development Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in business development and your understanding of the life sciences sector. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any meeting or interview, don’t forget to send a follow-up email. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It not only streamlines the process but also shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application first-hand!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially in life sciences and medical devices, and showcase any leadership roles you've had.
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 business growth and built client relationships in the past. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a blend of technical understanding and commercial acumen, be sure to mention your familiarity with laboratory testing services and regulatory frameworks. This will show us you’re not just about sales but understand the industry too.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sci-Rec
✨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.
✨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.
✨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.
✨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. Highlight your organisational and decision-making skills, as well as your readiness to step into a leadership position when the opportunity arises.
