Senior Business Development Manager

XtalPi is a global technology company powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, dedicated to accelerating drug discovery and development. By combining quantum physics, AI, and cloud computing with large-scale automated robotic labs, we provide pharmaceutical and biotech companies with accurate predictions and efficient solutions for solid-state chemistry and drug discovery. We are revolutionising the life sciences industry, and we are looking for ambitious Business Development leaders to expand our footprint in the UK & EU markets.

We are seeking a high-performing Business Development Manager/Senior Manager to drive revenue growth and expand our client base. In this role, you will be responsible for selling XtalPi’s solutions for a New Era of Autonomous Scientific Discovery, where we move beyond manual research to a fully automated model. By integrating AI and Robotics infrastructure, we build a closed-loop system that thinks and executes experiments at unprecedented scale. You will act as a strategic partner to clients, translating their scientific challenges into XtalPi’s technological solutions. This is a BD role requiring a strong network in the local life sciences ecosystem and a proven track record of closing complex service deals.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Penetration: Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the UK and European market to meet and exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with C-level executives, R&D heads, and procurement leaders across Big Pharma, Biotech, and academic institutions.
• Consultative Selling: Understand client pipelines and scientific needs (specifically in small molecule discovery, chemistry synthesis) and propose tailored XtalPi solutions.
• Pipeline Management: Manage the entire sales cycle from lead generation to contract negotiation and closing. Utilize CRM tools to track activity and forecast revenue accurately.
• Brand Representation: Represent XtalPi at major industry conferences (e.g., BIO International, JPM, ACS), networking events, and scientific forums to increase brand visibility.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the internal scientific and technical teams (Project Managers, Computational Chemists) to ensure seamless proposal generation and project delivery.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes in the UK and EU region to inform sales strategies.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific, healthcare, or business discipline. Advanced degrees (e.g., M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, or equivalent) in a related field are preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in Business Development or Sales within the CRO, CDMO, life sciences technology sector, and/or academic research environments. Proven track record of selling services related to Drug Discovery, or Pre-clinical development. Established and engaged professional relationships within the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industry across UK & EU markets.
• Skills: Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle (IND enabling studies). Ability to explain complex AI/Physics concepts to both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders. Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 30-50% for client meetings and conferences.
• Preferred: Experience specifically selling AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD) or Computational Chemistry software/services. Bilingual abilities are a plus for internal/external communication but not required.