Senior Director Business Development, PDNA

Asahi Kasei•The Woodlands, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Bionova Scientific LLC, a rapidly growing biologics CDMO and subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Medical, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director/Sr Director Business Development. This role is crucial for leading commercial growth efforts for Plasmid DNA and Viral Vector CDMO services across the US. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific understanding of advanced therapy development and manufacturing platforms, coupled with a proven track record of sales success within the cell and gene therapy market. This strategic position involves identifying new business opportunities, cultivating long-term client relationships, and driving revenue growth. The individual will collaborate closely with the SVP BD and the GM/SVP Operations of the Houston (The Woodlands), Texas facility, and will also be involved in cross-selling into the mammalian CDMO facility in Fremont. The Asahi Kasei Group, with its commitment to 'creating for tomorrow,' operates across Material, Homes, and Health Care sectors, contributing to societal development by anticipating global needs. Bionova's success is built on top scientific talent, advanced tools, and an agile culture focused on solving client problems, emphasizing a desire to serve, adaptability, and transformative action.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in a Life Science field.
8+ years of experience in the life science, Biologics industry or a CDMO.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with both external (client) and internal stakeholders and decision makers.
Ability to lead multi-functional teams for technical discussions, scope evaluation and contract negotiation with the goal of ensuring positive client experiences.
Demonstrated understanding of biomanufacturing processes and projects at a level appropriate for business development activities.
Demonstrated experience stewarding client relationships to driving revenue growth through technical business-to-business sales in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Ability to work remotely and remain accountable to meeting business objectives and maintaining timely communications.
Ability to determine client needs and leverage the technical capabilities of the organization to provide value-based proposals.
High comfort level with highly competitive situations and complex customer needs and decision factors.
Demonstrate a strong work ethic, high level of integrity, self-motivation and ability to maintain a trustworthy and credible presence with clients and internal stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic accounts and close complex service agreements.
Willingness to travel up to 40–50% within the USA. Some possible limited travel outside of the US.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sales strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets in the Plasmid DNA and Viral Vector market segments.
Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to contract negotiation and closure.
Maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities using CRM tools.
Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with biotech and biopharma clients developing gene therapies, mRNA-based therapeutics, and other advanced modalities.
Attend industry events, conferences, and client meetings to represent the company and build brand presence.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance) to ensure proposals align with operational capabilities.
Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to inform commercial strategy.
Provide regular sales forecasts, business updates, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Identify and support strategic partnerships or collaborations that drive growth.
Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts in the region, ensuring exceptional client experience and satisfaction.
Drive client onboarding and technical transfer alignment in collaboration with project management teams.
Contribute to strategic planning and initiation for expansion of plasmid into new markets, new technology and commercial expansion of the facility.