Business Development Director (Team Lead)

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Business Development Director, Team Lead to drive commercial growth for our Santa Fe Springs, California laboratory. This leading provider of analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical testing, and regulatory support services seeks a leader who can expand the laboratory's presence in pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of outside sales professionals, driving performance against revenue targets
• Provide hands-on leadership throughout the full sales cycle, including prospecting, discovery, solution development, negotiation, and closing
• Partner with your team in the field to support complex, technical customer engagements
• Drive revenue growth across Santa Fe Springs core services, including: Analytical chemistry testing, Pharmaceutical method development and validation, Regulatory and compliance testing
• Help identify and position opportunities early in the sales cycle to maximize share of wallet and long-term account growth
• Collaborate closely with laboratory operations and technical SMEs to develop strong, feasible customer solutions
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships across pharma, biotech, and regulated industries
• Represent Element at industry associations, conferences, and client events
• Lead pipeline management and forecasting, ensuring CRM accuracy and visibility into key opportunities
• Guide development of proposals, scopes of work, pricing, and commercial terms
• Ensure team alignment with Element’s quality standards, regulatory requirements, and commercial strategy
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience managing an outside sales team
• 5–10 years of technical sales experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences markets
• Strong understanding of FDA, cGMP, and global regulatory frameworks
• Experience selling analytical testing, laboratory services, or pharmaceutical development solutions
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (scientific discipline strongly desired)
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex technical sales cycles, and influence stakeholders
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) and Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to travel up to 75%, including overnight travel
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record