About The Position
Evotec is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive new business growth and expand client relationships for its Drug Discovery and Pre-Clinical Development services in Southern California. The role manages the full sales cycle, from prospecting and lead qualification through proposal development, contract negotiation, and closure, while maintaining strong client satisfaction. The director works closely with Operations, Proposals, and Marketing to provide tailored solutions for pharmaceutical and biotech clients. The position develops territory commercial strategy with the VP of Sales, builds Evotec’s profile as a preferred partner, acquires new clients, and manages selected accounts for repeat and cross-sell opportunities. It also maintains market awareness and represents Evotec at industry events and client visits. The role involves extensive travel and spending approximately 40–50% of time client-facing.
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 biotech and/or pharmaceutical sectors.
- Experience selling complex scientific or technical services.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree.
- Sales experience within a CRO, CDMO, biotech 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 high visibility in the territory, spending approximately 40–50% of time client-facing.
- Acquire new clients and identify business opportunities with biotech 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.
- Build 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 pre-award contact and ensure a seamless hand-off to Project Management after award.
- Manage selected accounts to encourage repeat business and identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
- Monitor CRO industry trends, the competitive landscape, regulatory changes, and client R&D priorities.
- Represent Evotec 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.
- Inclusive culture.
- Opportunity to work on innovative projects and cutting-edge technology.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Company-paid basic life insurance.
- 401(k) company match.
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
- Wellness and transportation benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
