Mantell Associates
Mantell Associates is partnered with a leading CDMO specializing in viral vectors and gene therapies, who is seeking a high-performing Director of Business Development to lead growth efforts focused on the West Coast region.
You will be responsible for expanding the CDMO’s market presence, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue across biologics, vector development & GMP manufacturing services.
Director of Business Development – Responsibilities:
- Define and execute a strategic business development plan targeting the West Coast biotech and pharma ecosystem (California, Pacific Northwest, Western US) to win new viral vector & gene therapy manufacturing and development contracts
- Identify, build, and nurture relationships with biotech, pharma, academic, and translational medicine entities, serving as trusted advisor and commercial partner
- Lead negotiation of commercial agreements (e.g., service contracts, CDMO engagements) in coordination with technical, legal, quality, and operations teams
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders – Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs – to align capabilities and service offerings with customer needs and accelerate project hand-offs
- Monitor market, competitor, and technology trends in viral vector and gene therapy manufacturing; provide market intelligence and feedback to the leadership team to inform product / service innovation
- Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events to build visibility, generate leads, and reinforce brand as a West Coast CDMO leader
Director of Business Development – Requirements:
- Minimum 8-10 years of business development / sales leadership experience within a CDMO or biopharma company focused on viral vectors, gene therapy, or other advanced biologics services
- Proven track record of winning high-value CDMO contracts and partnering with biotech / pharma clients on viral vector or gene therapy programs
- Deep understanding of viral vector (AAV, lentivirus, etc.) development, GMP manufacturing, regulatory, and quality challenges relevant to gene therapy modality
- Strong negotiation, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen with experience managing large, complex deals, forecasting revenues and pipeline growth
- Excellent communication skills, able to represent clients’ needs, internal capabilities, and commercial value propositions to senior leadership both internally and externally
- Based in Texas, able to travel to West Coast as needed; eligibility to work in the U.S.
Mantell Associates is a specialist Pharmaceutical and Life Science headhunting firm. For more information on this opportunity, contact us at 44 (0)20 3854 7700.