Pre-Clinical Business Development Officer

As an integral part of the Lovelace Leadership Team, the Pre-Clinical Business Development Officer will lead the Institute’s strategic growth initiatives by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities with commercial clients. This individual will shape and execute Lovelace’s business development strategy with a focus on expanding our pre-clinical contract research portfolio and building long-term, high-impact relationships.

The Pre-Clinical Development Officer will play a critical role in driving revenue growth, elevating the Institute’s market presence, and ensuring that business development efforts are aligned with Lovelace’s scientific and operational capabilities. This leader will collaborate closely with research, operational, and executive teams to support program development, client acquisition, and strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities include:
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with Lovelace’s scientific priorities and revenue goals. Identify new service lines, client sectors, and partnership models to diversify and grow revenue.
• Client Engagement: Lead all client-facing efforts, including prospecting, proposals, presentations, and initial contract negotiations. Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients and partners, ensuring high satisfaction and long-term collaboration.
• Revenue Growth: Monitor market trends and proactively identify new commercial opportunities. Build a robust pipeline and lead the pursuit of high-value contracts and collaborations.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor a team of business development professionals. Set performance goals, oversee team structure and talent development, and ensure a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with scientific and operational leaders to ensure business development aligns with Lovelace’s capacity, capabilities, and long-term goals. Provide input on proposal content and operational planning.
• Market Intelligence: Stay current on life sciences and CRO industry trends, emerging technologies, and client needs and use this knowledge to refine Lovelace’s positioning and service offerings.
• Public Engagement: Represent Lovelace at industry conferences, trade shows, and professional networks. Build awareness and visibility of Lovelace’s brand in target markets.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, with strong preference given to candidates with an advanced degree such as a master’s in business administration, a master’s in a scientific field, or a Ph.D. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in business development roles within the life sciences industry is required, including at least 5 years in a senior-level leadership capacity. A significant portion of this experience must be in a pre-clinical contract research organization or comparable scientific service environment.

The successful candidate must have a demonstrated track record of consistently meeting or exceeding revenue targets through the development of strong client relationships, strategic partnerships, and effective pipeline management. Must possess deep knowledge of pre-clinical research processes and the regulatory landscape, as well as a strong understanding of how to position scientific services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and government clients.

This role requires exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and mentor a business development team, influence cross-functional teams, and represent the Institute to external stakeholders with professionalism and scientific credibility. Candidates must also possess strong financial acumen, including experience developing pricing strategies, forecasting revenue, and negotiating complex contracts.

The Development Officer must have a results-driven mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing multiple priorities, and making strategic decisions with limited information.

Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific and operational concepts to a range of audiences. A high degree of personal integrity, sound judgment, and professional maturity is essential for success in this role.

Prior experience in inhalation toxicology or respiratory research markets is strongly preferred.

Work is performed in an office environment.  Will operate standard office equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, perform repetitive motions and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements.  The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Lovelace Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer