Business Development Director, Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development (Southern CA)
About The Position
Evotec is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive new business growth and expand existing client relationships for Drug Discovery and Pre-Clinical Development services in Southern California. The role manages the full sales cycle, from prospecting and lead qualification through proposals, contract negotiation, and closure, while supporting strong client satisfaction. The Director works with Operations, Proposals, and Marketing to develop tailored solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. The position reports to the VP of Business Development. The role includes developing territory commercial strategy, acquiring new clients, managing sales pipelines and accounts, and representing Evotec at industry events. The Director will maintain market awareness and provide feedback to internal teams on client priorities, industry trends, and opportunities for service and commercial development. The position requires extensive travel and approximately 40–50% client-facing time.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of sales experience.
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- Broad understanding of the drug discovery and pre-clinical development process.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Willingness to travel extensively (40% or more).
- Established network within the biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical sectors.
- Experience selling complex scientific or technical services.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills.
- Relationship-building and client-engagement skills.
- Resilient, results-driven, and self-motivated.
- Excellent organization and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree.
- Sales experience within a CRO, CDMO, biotechnology service provider, or pre-clinical research environment.
Responsibilities
- Work with the VP of Sales to drive the overall commercial strategy within the territory.
- Establish Evotec as the partner of choice within the territory.
- Maintain visibility in the territory, spending approximately 40–50% of time client-facing.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
- Manage the sales pipeline, including prospecting, follow-up, client meetings, proposals, contract negotiation, and closure.
- Meet or exceed assigned sales targets and quarterly KPIs.
- Maintain an accurate pipeline in the CRM system.
- Develop long-term relationships with key decision-makers in client organizations.
- Conduct capability presentations, introductory calls and meetings, and needs-assessment meetings.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during the pre-award phase and ensure a seamless post-award hand-off to Project Management.
- Manage selected accounts to encourage repeat business and identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities.
- Monitor CRO industry trends, the competitive landscape, regulatory changes, and client R&D priorities.
- Represent the organization at trade shows, conferences, events, and client site visits.
- Provide market feedback to internal teams to support service and product development, commercial strategy, and pipeline planning.
Benefits
- Professional courses, mentorship, and opportunities to work on new projects.
- Flexible work options, including remote or hybrid models.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Company-paid basic life insurance.
- 401(k) company match.
- Paid time off.
- Paid holidays.
- Wellness benefits.
- Transportation benefits.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
