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.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and exposure to technical experts in a dynamic environment.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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
At Sci-Rec, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a high-performance and flexible work culture, perfect for ambitious individuals looking to thrive in the life sciences sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where you can develop your market niche while enjoying competitive salaries and uncapped commission opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of biotech, pharma, and medtech recruitment in a dynamic and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Senior Business Development Manager at Sci-Rec, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Sci-Rec. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Sci-Rec:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Sci-Rec. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sci-Rec
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Sci-Rec that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Sci-Rec that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Sci-Rec’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
