Job Description
Mantell Associates is partnered with a rapidly expanding AI‑powered small molecule drug discovery CRO based in Cambridge, who is seeking a Business Development Director to lead and scale commercial growth globally.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the go‑to‑market strategy for a platform that combines cutting‑edge machine learning with deep chemistry expertise to accelerate discovery for biotech and pharmaceutical partners.
Business Development Director - Responsibilities:
* Developing and executing the commercial strategy to achieve ambitious growth targets
* Identifying, qualifying, and closing new business opportunities across biotech, pharma, and research organisations
* Building and nurturing long‑term relationships with senior scientific and commercial stakeholders
* Clearly articulating the value proposition of the company’s AI‑enabled discovery services
* Collaborating with internal scientific, delivery, and leadership teams to support proposal development and contract negotiation
* Attending and representing the company at key scientific and industry conferences
Business Development Director - Requirements:
* Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in business development, sales or commercial leadership within life sciences, drug discovery services, CROs, or technology platforms
* A strong track record of selling scientific services or technology into biotech and pharmaceutical organisations
* Commercial acumen with the ability to manage complex sales cycles and close high‑value deals
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior decision‑makers
* A scientific understanding of early drug discovery, computational platforms, or AI/ML technologies (preferred but not essential)
* An entrepreneurial mindset, proactive approach, and a desire to build and scale commercial functions
Mantell Associates is a specialist Pharmaceutical and Life Science headhunting firm. For more information on this opportunity, contact us at +44 (0)20 3854 7700.