VP, Business Development (Acela Bio)

Summary

The Vice President, Business Development will be responsible for driving the company’s commercial growth and market expansion within the laboratory CRO sector. This leadership role will define and execute strategies to acquire and retain sponsor partnerships, lead and mentor a high-performing sales team, and ensure alignment between business objectives and scientific capabilities. This role requires a strategic yet hands-on leader who can translate vision into action by building trusted relationships with clients, negotiating complex agreements, and guiding the organization toward sustainable, profitable growth. This executive must be a strong communicator and trusted advisor, capable of influencing at the boardroom level while ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction.

• Responsible for:
  

Strategic Growth & Planning:

• Partner with the Executive Team to define and execute business development and growth strategies, aligned with corporate objectives
• Lead annual sales planning, forecasting, and execution to achieve aggressive revenue targets
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform growth strategies
• Identify new market segments, partnership models, and strategic opportunities to
• expand client base and service offerings
• With Marketing, define and execute cross-promotion strategies with external partners
  
  

Client Engagement and Relations:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to pharma/biotech partners and key stakeholders, fostering long-term strategic client relationships
• Oversee contract negotiations, pricing and proposals in collaboration with key
• stakeholders
• Represent the organization at industry events, strengthening market reputation
  
  

Revenue Generation and Market Development:

• Drive new business growth and achieve quarterly and annual targets
• Lead key account planning and build and maintain qualified pipeline
• Partner with Operations and Leadership to ensure alignment between service delivery and client needs
  
  

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee proposals and budgets to ensure client needs and profitability goals are met
• Implement efficient business development process, CRM utilization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and report on performance metrics, forecasts and business analytics to guide data-driven solutions and ensure alignment with strategic objectives
• Ensure seamless client onboarding and drive high post-sales satisfaction through strong internal collaboration, providing client feedback and proposing action as needed. 
  
  

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a business development team, fostering accountability and excellence
• Optimize team effectiveness through coaching, training, goal setting, performance management
• Responsible for team resource and succession planning
• Serve as a role model, promoting a culture of engagement, innovation and high-
• performance. 
  
  

Qualifications: 

• Required: Bachelor's degree 10 years (minimum) progressive business development experience & 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish goals in a fast-paced, lean and entrepreneurial-minded organization. 
• Track record of driving sales growth within life sciences, CRO, healthcare, or related industries
• In-depth knowledge of clinical research, outsourcing models, or healthcare innovation preferred
• Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements and manage executive-level relationships
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and scaling teams
  
  

Note: This position is remote/hybrid in San Diego, CA, with preference for local candidates. If residing outside of the San Diego area, the VP, Business Development will be expected to travel occasionally to the office on a monthly/semi-monthly basis. Up to 40-50% travel is expected as part of this role. 

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.

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