Director of Business Development

Business Development Director / Associate Director

Location: Japan

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity to join a growing biopharmaceutical services business in a senior Business Development capacity, driving commercial growth across the Japanese pharma and biotech market.

This role offers the opportunity to leverage an established industry network, develop strategic partnerships, and play a key role in expanding business opportunities across biologics development and manufacturing.

The position is open at Associate Director or Director level, depending on experience and commercial track record.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business development and commercial growth across the Japanese biopharmaceutical market.
• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
• Develop strategic partnerships and expand market presence across biologics development and manufacturing services.
• Identify customer needs and translate them into commercial opportunities.
• Manage complex business development processes and long sales cycles.
• Develop and execute effective market growth and customer engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with global technical, commercial, and operational teams to deliver tailored customer solutions.
• Represent the business in strategic customer discussions and industry engagements.

Candidate Requirements

• Strong network and established relationships within the Japanese pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record in new business development, opportunity creation, and revenue generation.
• Strong hunter mentality, with the ability to independently identify and secure new business.
• Direct access to key decision-makers across business development, CMC, development, manufacturing, or alliance management functions.
• Solid understanding of biologics, pharmaceutical outsourcing, and the drug development lifecycle.
• Experience in biopharma services, biologics manufacturing, life science tools, bioprocessing, or related industries .
• Strong strategic selling, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to navigate complex commercial environments and develop long-term customer partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently in a global organization.

What the Opportunity Offers

• A senior commercial position with significant influence on business growth in Japan.
• The opportunity to leverage an existing industry network and develop new strategic partnerships.
• Exposure to international business operations and collaboration with global teams.
• Scope to shape and execute market development strategies.
• Potential for broader leadership responsibilities and team management at Director level.
• A high degree of autonomy and ownership in a growth-oriented environment.