Business Development Director - West Coast

Business Development Director — Small Molecule CDMO (San Francisco Bay Area)

Our client, a leading global small molecule CDMO, is investing heavily in its US commercial footprint and is looking for a Business Development Director (or Executive Director, depending on experience) to lead new business growth across the San Francisco Bay Area biotech ecosystem. This is a rare opportunity to join a business with genuine scale and manufacturing depth at a moment of real momentum, with the autonomy to build your own patch and the backing of a platform capable of supporting projects from Discovery all the way to Commercial supply.

Why this role
This is a true hunter seat, not an account management role. You will have the freedom to build new relationships from the ground up, bring your own network into a business with the technical credibility to close, and shape how this organisation grows its presence on the West Coast. For someone who wants ownership over a territory and a seat at the table as the US business scales, this is a standout opportunity.

About the role
You will drive new business across the full CMC lifecycle, from Discovery through IND, Clinical, and Commercial manufacturing, building relationships with CMC decision makers and converting early stage engagements into long term strategic partnerships.

What we are looking for

• 5 to 10 years of Business Development experience in the small molecule API CDMO/CRO industry
• A track record with a leading CDMO (backgrounds such as PharmaBlock, Pharmaron, Asymchem, WuXi STA, Cambrex, Curia, Catalent, Alcami, Lonza, Siegfried, CordenPharma, or Sterling are all relevant)
• Strong understanding of API process development, technology transfer, scale up manufacturing, and commercial manufacturing BD
• A verifiable network among Biotech/Biopharma CMC decision makers, ideally built through alumni ties or long standing project collaborations
• A growth mindset, comfort with long sales cycles, and genuine ownership of results
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field preferred; Bachelor's or Master's is the minimum. Prior R&D experience is a strong plus
• Experience working with Chinese customers or CDMO companies is an advantage

Location
Based within approximately a two hour driving radius of the San Francisco Bay Area. Alternatively, you have a good network in the Bay area.

This is a confidential search. To find out more about the client, the package, and the growth story behind this opportunity, get in touch for a conversation.