Head of European Business Development (CDMO peptides)

Liverpool Source: WhatJobs

£120,000–£180,000

Description

Senior Business Development Lead

This role is the most senior position in Europe and leads the already established Business Development team
Crucially, the role requires hands‑on experience of winning new business with mid‑large pharma, particularly those in the GLP-1 space

A globally recognised and rapidly growing Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) specialising in complex synthetic bio molecules is seeking a senior commercial leader to drive strategic growth initiatives. The organisation partners with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to support programs from early discovery through clinical development and commercial manufacturing.

This is a full-time senior-level position reporting to executive leadership. The role will focus on identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities while strengthening strategic relationships with existing clients across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. This individual will play a critical role in accelerating commercial expansion in designated international markets, including Europe.

Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality are essential to this search.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

Develop and execute the European business development strategy to achieve annual revenue and growth objectives
Work alongside the global leadership team to increase the companies market share in the GLP-1 manufacturing markets
Win new business as well as manage existing relations with medium to large pharma
Identify, qualify, and engage prospective clients within assigned European territory and additional global markets as directed
Manage the full sales lifecycle from lead generation through contract execution
Expand and deepen relationships with existing strategic accounts

Internal collaboration

Partner closely with technical, project management, operations, and executive teams to ensure alignment and client satisfaction
Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations
Maintain accurate opportunity tracking and forecasting within CRM systems
Generate pipeline analysis and sales performance reporting

Market engagement

Monitor competitive landscape, industry trends, and emerging therapeutic opportunities
Represent the organisation at select industry conferences, trade events, and client meetings

Qualifications

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Ideal education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline required
MBA or advanced degree preferred

Experience

Experience in business development within CDMO, peptide, oligonucleotide, or pharmaceutical services sectors
A network / track record in European GLP-1 peptide sales
Demonstrated success in closing complex, high-value technical service agreement
Fluency in one or more European languages is a plus