Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager

About the role

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities for pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and development services with a strong focus on ophthalmic products. This role drives revenue growth by building strategic relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients, managing the full business development lifecycle, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver compliant, competitive, and customer-focused solutions.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new pharmaceutical business opportunities aligned with the company’s development and manufacturing capabilities and strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute business development plans to meet or exceed annual revenue and pipeline targets.
• Maintain a robust opportunity pipeline using CRM tools and provide regular forecasts and reporting to leadership.
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for prospective and assigned customers throughout the sales lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, technical stakeholders, and procurement teams.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and client meetings to promote capabilities and brand presence.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and Requests for Quotation (RFQs).
• Collaborate with global commercial organization, Technical Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Legal teams to develop accurate, competitive proposals.
• Support contract negotiations with support of legal counsel, including pricing, scope, timelines, and commercial terms, in alignment with company policies.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring customer requirements are clearly communicated and understood.
• Partner with Operations and Project Management to ensure smooth project execution and handoff to commercial production.
• Support customer and lifecycle management activities, including portfolio & market expansions, tech transfers, and long-term supply agreements.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs within the pharmaceutical and CDMO/CMO landscape.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to leadership regarding market opportunities, portfolio expansion, and pricing strategy.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced scientific degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of business development, sales, or commercial experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, CDMO/CMO, or related life sciences industry.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience supporting pharmaceutical products in a cGMP environment.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding commercial targets.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex, long-cycle sales processes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess commercial viability and risk.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required for trade events and customer & prospect visits.

Payscale

Compensation Range: 140,000.00 - 160,000.00 USD

Benefits

A Smarter Total Compensation Package at Unither includes:

• 100% employer-paid medical premiums (a $2,000–$6,000+ annual value)
• 401(k) contributions: 6% match plus an additional 4% company-funded contribution
• HSA contributions with wellness incentives
• Annual performance bonuses and merit increase eligibility
• And more—because we invest in your health, your future, and your peace of mind.

Company Culture

We are a dynamic company driven by a spirit of victory and are pursuing strong growth while maintaining a close relationship with our customers and employees. Our culture is based on 5 values: Respect, Responsibility, Trust, Courage, and Innovation. We are committed to bringing these values to life with our employees by granting them a high degree of autonomy in the exercise of their profession and by encouraging their initiatives. We are committed to providing them with working conditions and atmosphere that is conducive to their development and the expression of their potential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and to ensuring equal employment opportunity for all applicants. Unither is an Equal Opportunity Employer.