Senior/Executive Director of Clinical Business Development (Big Pharma Accounts) in Edinburgh

The Exec Director, Strategic BD is responsible for driving enterprise-level growth through global account strategy, strategic partnerships, and long-term client engagement. This role focuses on identifying and securing high-impact opportunities across the biopharmaceutical landscape by navigating complex procurement environments, leading preferred provider pursuits, negotiating master service agreements (MSAs), and orchestrating cross-functional solution development.

With a strong understanding of the clinical development lifecycle and deep relationships within the pharmaceutical industry, the Exec Director, Strategic BD partners closely with internal stakeholders across therapeutic strategy, operations, legal, finance, and delivery to create client-centric growth strategies that support Syneos Health's global objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leads global business development efforts across a portfolio of high-value accounts, driving strategic growth and revenue expansion.
• Identifies, evaluates, and pursues enterprise-level opportunities, including preferred provider arrangements, MSAs, and strategic alliances.
• Creates and maintains multi-year strategic growth plans for key global clients, aligned with Syneos Health's commercial objectives.
• Serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to client executives by understanding their business priorities, development pipelines, and partnership expectations.
• Navigates complex global sourcing and procurement organizations to influence client decision-making and streamline contracting processes.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with therapeutic leads, operations, delivery, and marketing to co-create compelling, client-tailored solutions.
• Leads and coordinates the development of high-impact proposals, RFP responses, and executive presentations.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate records in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), including account strategy documentation, contacts, opportunities, and communications.
• Represents Syneos Health at key industry events, conferences, and client meetings to enhance brand visibility and cultivate new opportunities.
• Monitors market dynamics and competitor activity to inform strategic pursuits and continuously refine account strategies.

Requirements

• Proven experience in strategic sales, global business development, or client relationship management in the life sciences industry.
• Bachelors Degree in a science related field, or equivalent related education and experience, plus extensive experience in clinical research and commercialization.
• Graduate degree (MBA/PhD/MD degrees) is a plus.
• Significant experience in the clinical trial industry, with deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical landscape required.
• Demonstrated success in leading preferred provider pursuits and negotiating master service agreements.
• Deep understanding of clinical research service lines and the full drug development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with mid- to executive-level stakeholders across large, matrixed organizations.
• Strong consultative selling skills with the ability to uncover client needs and co-develop tailored solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Collaborative and influential, with experience leading cross-functional sales efforts.
• Highly organized and able to prioritize effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and data-driven decision-making capability.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM tools such as Salesforce.
• Willingness to travel 50% for client meetings, internal engagements, and industry events.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking, able to translate complex data into actionable business plans.
• Expert negotiation and presentation skills, especially in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proactive relationship builder with demonstrated resilience and persistence.
• Highly organized with superior time management and prioritization capabilities.
• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness within the pharmaceutical and clinical research industries.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional and matrixed environments.
• Adaptable and agile in a fast-paced, evolving global marketplace.
• Proficient with CRM tools (Salesforce preferred) and standard business software (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Comfortable with frequent travel and global client engagement.