Business Development Director, Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development (Southern CA)

Job Title: Director of Business Development, Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development

Location: Southern California
Department: Commercial
Reports To: VP, Business Development

About Us:

At Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged, it’s celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role:

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Director Business Development to join our Discovery Business Development team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Business Development Director at Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You’ll Do:

The Director Business Development will be responsible for driving new business growth and expanding existing client relationships for Drug Discovery & Pre-Clinical Development services in the Southern CA area. This role manages the full sales cycle from direct prospecting and lead qualification to contract closure while ensuring high levels of client satisfaction. The Sales Director works closely with Operations, Proposals and Marketing, to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

Sales Growth

• Work with the VP of Sales to drive the overall commercial strategy within the territory.
• Establish Evotec as the partner of choice within the territory
• Maintain high visibility in the territory, spending ~40-50% of time client facing.
• Focus on new client acquisition, identifying new business opportunities with biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
• Manage the entire sales pipeline, including in territory prospecting, follow-up, client meetings, proposals, contract negotiation and closure.
• Meet or exceed assigned sales targets and quarterly KPIs.
• Maintain a robust and accurate pipeline within the CRM system.

Client Relationship Management

• Develop long-term relationships with key decision-makers in client organizations.
• Conduct capability presentations, introductory calls/meetings, and needs-assessment meetings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during the pre-award phase and ensure a seamless hand-off to Project Management post-award.
• Manage selected accounts to encourage repeat business and identify cross-sell or upsell opportunities.

Market Insight & Industry Engagement

• Maintain awareness of CRO industry trends, competitive landscape, regulatory changes, and client R&D priorities.
• Represent the organization at trade shows, conferences, events, and client site visits.
• Provide market feedback to internal teams to support service/product development, commercial strategy, and pipeline planning.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of sales experience, ideally within a CRO, CDMO, biotech service provider, or pre-clinical research environment.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
• Broad understanding of the discovery and pre-clinical development process.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively (40%+).
• Established network within the biotech and/or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Experience selling complex scientific or technical services.

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial and analytical skills

• Relationship building and client engagement

• Resilient, results-driven and self-motivated

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Join Us:

• Growth Opportunities: We’re a company that believes in continuous learning and development. Whether it’s professional courses, mentorship, or new projects, we’ll help you grow.
• Flexible Work Environment: We offer flexible work options to help you balance your professional and personal life, whether that means working remotely or choosing a hybrid model.
• Inclusive Culture: We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and curiosity is encouraged.
• Innovative Projects: You’ll have the chance to work on groundbreaking initiatives and cutting-edge technology in an atmosphere where your curiosity is the key to success.
• A Place for Big Ideas: We don’t just talk about thinking outside the box—we throw the box away. If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them.

Are You Still Curious?

If you’ve read this far, then chances are you’ve got a curious mind, just like us. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and apply today. We can’t wait to see where your curiosity leads you and how it will shape the future of Evotec.

Let your curiosity guide your career #BeCurious and explore the endless possibilities at Evotec!

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $142,800 to $193,200. This is a salary, exempt role. Base salary offered may vary depending on the individual’s skills, experience and competitive market value. Additional total rewards include discretionary annual bonus, comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, short-term and long-term disability, company paid basic life insurance, 401k company match, generous paid time off and paid holiday, wellness and transportation benefits.

Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.