Executive Director, Business Development

The Executive Director, Business Development & Strategic Client Relationships is responsible for driving growth through strategic Sponsor partnerships and early-phase (Phase I - 2) clinical development opportunities. This executive-level role focuses on building long-term, high-value relationships directly with pharmaceutical sponsors and biotechnology companies engaged in developing assets in ERG’s core therapeutic areas (CNS, Cardio-Metabolic, Pain) with a particular focus on assets entering first-in-human and early proof-of-concept trials. The Executive Director serves as a senior commercial leader and ambassador for ERG and Lotus, aligning sponsor needs with the company’s internal infrastructure, clinical expertise, and operational strengths. Key ResponsibilitiesPhase I-2 & Lotus-Focused Business Development • Lead enterprise-level business development efforts focused on Phase I-2 and early development programs, including first-in-human and early proof-of-concept studies. • Develop and execute engagement strategies to build preferred partnerships and drive repeat business to ERG and Lotus. • Identify, qualify, and pursue early-phase opportunities aligned with ERG’s therapeutic strengths, capacity, and operational capabilities. • Maintain market insight into CRO operating models, sponsor pipelines, and early-phase development trends. Strategic Partnering & Relationship Management • Cultivate long-term, trusted partnerships based on clinical insight, credibility, and consistent delivery. • Expand relationships through multi-study engagements, preferred site models, and early pipeline visibility. • Represent ERG and Lotus at industry conferences and sponsor meetings as a senior spokesperson. Commercial Leadership & Opportunity Execution • Support development of complex client proposals, including feasibility assessments, budgets, timelines, and capacity planning. • Collaborate closely with clinical operations, medical leadership, finance, and feasibility teams to ensure commercially sound proposals. • Support pricing strategy and negotiations while ensuring alignment with internal delivery standards and risk tolerance. • Maintain disciplined opportunity tracking, forecasting, and reporting using Lotus and EG CRM systems. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Market Influence • Partner with internal stakeholders to translate CRO and sponsor requirements into operational and strategic priorities. • Provide market feedback to inform Phase I capability development, site expansion, and service differentiation. • Influence cross-functional alignment to support seamless execution from opportunity identification through study start-up. Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in business, life sciences, healthcare, or a related field required. • Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s, or PhD) strongly preferred. • 8–10+ years of progressive business development or strategic partnership experience within a CRO, clinical research site network, or early-phase clinical research organization. • Demonstrated success managing complex Phase I sales cycles and executive-level relationships. Skills & Competencies • Deep understanding of Phase I clinical development and CRO engagement models. • Executive-level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. • Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgment and market awareness. • Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority. • Proficiency with CRM platforms (i.e. Salesforce, Devana) • Willingness to travel for CRO meetings, sponsor engagements, and industry events. Additional Information This position may evolve to reflect the company’s strategic growth objectives and early-phase development focus. This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibility and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.