Executive Director, Strategic Business Development

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for an Executive Director, Strategic Business Development in Netherlands.

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Executive Director to lead complex business development initiatives within the life sciences and healthcare space. This role is focused on driving growth through high-value client engagements, shaping tailored solutions, and building long-term partnerships with key stakeholders. You will play a critical role in defining market strategies, orchestrating cross-functional collaboration, and influencing deal structures that deliver measurable impact. The position requires a strong balance of scientific understanding, commercial acumen, and relationship-building expertise. Operating in a fast-paced, global environment, you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to business expansion and innovation across the product development lifecycle.

Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead strategic client engagement efforts, identifying key stakeholders and driving successful deal closures for integrated offerings.
• Develop tailored solutions in collaboration with internal teams, aligning with client needs and asset development strategies.
• Build and execute comprehensive business plans for assigned accounts and market segments, with ongoing performance tracking and adjustments.
• Drive pipeline growth by proactively identifying new opportunities and leveraging internal tools and resources.
• Strengthen and expand client relationships by anticipating challenges and delivering strategic, value-driven solutions.
• Provide direction and insights for proposal development, including pricing strategies, deal structuring, and competitive positioning.
• Act as a bridge between clients and internal teams, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, and commercial functions.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to enhance visibility and generate new business opportunities.
  
  

Requirements

The ideal candidate has:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field or equivalent experience.
• 10-12 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in business development within life sciences or healthcare, and 3+ years in the clinical trials industry.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical development, sponsor-CRO partnerships, and clinical development processes.
• Proven track record of driving business growth through strategic planning, client relationship management, and opportunity expansion.
• Excellent ability to analyze market trends, identify client needs, and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Strong skills in proposals, contracts, financial modeling, governance, and budgeting processes.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google applications.
• Ability to travel up to 30% for client engagements, conferences, and internal meetings.
• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with complex, multi-service offerings across the drug development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated success in building long-term, high-value partnerships with global clients.
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for career progression, leadership development, and continuous learning.
• Exposure to high-impact, global projects within the life sciences industry.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with a strong focus on professional growth.
  
  

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.