Job Introduction
Business Development Director, Toxicology and Safety Assessment
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 23 sites across the UK, US and China, and we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make—just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers.
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Director with a scientific background to support the continued growth of our Toxicology & Safety Assessment business across Europe.
This role is ideally suited to a toxicologist or preclinical development professional who has successfully transitioned into a client-facing, commercial or business development environment. You will combine your understanding of toxicology, drug development and safety assessment with the ability to build strong client relationships, identify new opportunities and support strategic business growth.
Working closely with internal scientific teams across toxicology, operations and business development, you will help clients navigate their preclinical safety assessment needs while positioning Pharmaron as a trusted CRO partner.
This is a remote role with regular travel across the UK and Europe for client meetings, conferences and industry events.
Key roles and responsibilities:
- Develop and grow new business opportunities across Pharmaron's Toxicology & Safety Assessment services throughout Europe.
- Manage and expand existing client relationships, identifying opportunities for additional studies and broader service offerings.
- Partner closely with internal scientific, operational and proposal teams to develop technically sound and commercially competitive solutions.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities, ensuring consistent business growth and revenue generation.
- Act as a key point of contact for clients throughout the sales process, from initial discussions through proposal development and contract execution.
- Support the preparation and review of proposals, budgets, confidentiality agreements and commercial documentation.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Europe, the US and China to deliver a seamless client experience.
- Identify opportunities within existing Pharmaron client relationships to expand toxicology services.
- Represent Pharmaron at industry conferences, scientific meetings and networking events.
- Maintain accurate pipeline management, forecasting and CRM records.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and client feedback to support strategic business planning.
Candidate Profile:
- MSc or equivalent qualification in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Life Sciences or a related discipline, PhD highly desirable.
- Strong background in toxicology, safety assessment, preclinical development or related drug development activities.
- Experience working within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or preclinical consulting environment.
- Previous business development, scientific consulting or client-facing commercial experience is highly desirable.
- Understanding of preclinical development, toxicology programmes and regulatory expectations.
- Knowledge of GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies would be advantageous.
- Experience supporting small molecule development programmes is particularly relevant.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Strong relationship-building, networking and stakeholder management skills.
- Self-motivated, resilient and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative mindset with a willingness to work across global teams and time zones.
Why Pharmaron?
Collaborative Culture
Join a highly collaborative and supportive commercial and scientific team where partnership, transparency and shared success are fundamental to how we work. Our values of Employees Number One, Clients Centered guide everything we do.
Career Growth
Play a key role in expanding Pharmaron's toxicology presence across Europe while working alongside industry-leading scientific experts and global business development teams.
Scientific Impact
Support innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies as they advance new therapies through critical stages of drug development.
Competitive Rewards
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package aligned with experience, expertise and business impact.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and help drive the growth of Pharmaron's Toxicology & Safety Assessment business across Europe.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.