Head of CDMO Business Development in Europe and Japan

Head of CDMO Business Development in Europe and Japan

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Head of CDMO Business Development for Europe and Japan who will play a key role in strengthening Polpharma’s position in the Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) market.
This role requires a strong business development leader capable of establishing and fostering long-term relationships with European and Japanese biotech and pharmaceutical clients, bringing new CDMO projects, and ensuring their full execution within the organization.

The successful candidate will actively promote Polpharma’s capabilities  with particular emphasis on High Potent API (HP API) and Payload-Linker (ADC-related) technologies while supporting strategic decision-making through market insights and trend analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Create and manage relationships with customers in Europe and Japan to bring new CDMO projects into Polpharma.
• Define and implement a prospection plan, identify and pursue potential leads, and introduce Polpharma to new clients.
• Educate internal stakeholders on market trends and industry developments in Europe and Japan.

Project Acquisition & Execution

• Promote Polpharma’s CDMO capabilities, particularly High Potent APIs, to prospective clients.
• Participate in the preparation of project quotations and commercial proposals.
• Ensure full follow-up and active oversight of ongoing business development projects.

Internal Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Support the RFP Team in feasibility assessments, cost estimations, and preparation of commercial offers for development and manufacturing activities.
• Participate in internal CDMO-related meetings across Polpharma.
• Define project sales targets and ensure profitability.
• Support preparation of project schedules in cooperation with operational departments.

Brand Promotion & Representation

• Prepare and implement marketing and technical promotional materials in collaboration with the marketing team.
• Represent Polpharma at conferences, exhibitions, webinars, and industry events.

Budget & Performance

• Participate in the preparation of the annual budget and ensure delivery against the agreed targets.

Required Qualifications

• Strong background and knowledge of High Potent API and Payload-Linker markets (ADC-related).
• Established network within key European biotech clusters.
• Higher education (Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or similar).
• Experience in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry in technical, PM, commercial, or sales roles.
• Experience in preparing offers, pricing strategies, and negotiating contracts.
• Project management experience considered a strong asset.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and operate within a complex matrix organization.
• Fluent in English, knowledge of Japanese would be a strong asset.

What We Offer

• Work in a modern, international pharmaceutical environment.

• Competitive compensation and benefits (bonus, medical care, insurance, pension program, cafeteria system, Multisport).

• Company car and full work tools.

• Strong focus on development and learning opportunities.