Job Title: Director of Business Development, Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development
Location: Southern California
Department: Commercial
Reports To: VP, Business Development
About Us:
At Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged, it’s celebrated.
Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!
The Role:
We’re looking for a passionate and curious Director Business Development to join our Discovery Business Development team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.
As a Business Development Director at Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.
What You’ll Do:
The Director Business Development will be responsible for driving new business growth and expanding existing client relationships for Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development services in the Southern CA area. This role manages the full sales cycle from direct prospecting and lead qualification to contract closure while ensuring high levels of client satisfaction. The Sales Director works closely with Operations, Proposals and Marketing, to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of pharmaceutical and biotech clients.
Sales Growth
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 ~40-50% of time client facing.
Focus on new client acquisition, identifying new business opportunities with biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Manage the entire sales pipeline, including in territory prospecting, follow-up, client meetings, proposals, contract negotiation and closure.
Meet or exceed assigned sales targets and quarterly KPIs.
Maintain a robust and accurate pipeline within the CRM system.
Client Relationship Management
Develop long-term relationships with key decision-makers in client organizations.
Conduct capability presentations, introductory calls/meetings, and needs-assessment meetings.
Serve as the primary point of contact during the pre-award phase and ensure a seamless hand-off to Project Management post-award.
Manage selected accounts to encourage repeat business and identify cross-sell or upsell opportunities.
Market Insight & Industry Engagement
Maintain awareness of CRO industry trends, 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/product development, commercial strategy, and pipeline planning.
Who You Are:
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
5+ years of sales experience, ideally within a CRO, CDMO, biotech service provider, or pre-clinical research environment.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
Broad understanding of the discovery and pre-clinical development process.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Willingness to travel extensively (40%+).
Established network within the biotech and/or pharmaceutical sectors.
Experience selling complex scientific or technical services.
Key Competencies
Strong commercial and analytical skills
Relationship building and client…