Mantell Associates is partnered with a mid-sized transatlantic CRO, who is seeking a strategic, German-speaking Business Development Director to lead growth and client engagement in European and US markets.
This is a high-impact role for an experienced commercial leader who bridges scientific credibility with business development execution.
Business Development Director - Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a commercial strategy targeting German-speaking biopharma clients and international pharmaceutical sponsors, ensuring alignment with the company’s transatlantic growth ambitions
- Identify, qualify, and close high-value business opportunities - including clinical trial services, outsourcing packages, and strategic partnerships - with both European and US clients
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers in the German-speaking region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and the broader transatlantic network, supporting client acquisition and retention
- Lead proposal development, contract negotiations, and deal structuring in collaboration with internal teams: Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, QA, Finance
- Manage a robust pipeline, provide accurate forecasting, maintain CRM integrity, and deliver clear updates to senior leadership on market activity and revenue progress
- Represent the company at conferences, partnering forums, webinars, and key industry events, promoting the CRO’s value proposition and building brand presence
- Drive insight generation - monitor industry trends, competitor behavior, client priorities - and deliver strategic feedback to service development and commercial teams
Business Development Director - Requirements:
- 8+ years of business development or commercial leadership experience in the CRO, pharmaceutical services, or clinical research industry
- Fluent in German and English (spoken and written); additional European language(s) advantageous
- Proven track record of securing complex outsourcing deals and clinical services agreements with German-speaking clients and global sponsors
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and experience engaging senior stakeholders at biotech or pharmaceutical companies
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills; comfortable working across geographies and disciplines
- Based in the Netherlands (or willing to relocate), with full eligibility to work in the EU; flexible for travel between Europe and the US
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.