Proclinical is partnering with an established clinical research organisation to recruit an experienced Business Development Director to lead commercial growth across its Early Phase clinical research portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven clinical research professional to leverage their industry relationships, identify new business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and CRO organisations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will play a key role in securing new clinical trial opportunities, developing long-term sponsor relationships and supporting commercial strategy across Australia, New Zealand and the wider APAC region.

Key Responsibilities

- Identify and secure new Phase I and Early Phase clinical trial opportunities, including first-in-human, healthy volunteer and early patient studies.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical sponsors and CROs across APAC.
- Drive new business revenue through proactive sponsor engagement, prospect identification and commercial negotiations.
- Manage opportunities throughout the commercial lifecycle, including feasibility, RFPs, proposals, bid defence, site selection and study awards.
- Work closely with clinical, feasibility and operational teams to develop commercially competitive study proposals.
- Represent the organisation at industry conferences, sponsor meetings and networking events.
- Identify opportunities to grow existing client accounts and secure repeat clinical trial business.
- Act as a senior commercial escalation point for key sponsor and CRO relationships, working collaboratively with operational leadership to resolve challenges.
- Maintain accurate sales pipelines, revenue forecasts and business development activity reporting.
- Support the development and execution of strategic commercial initiatives to strengthen the organisation's position within the Early Phase clinical research market.

About You





To be successful in this position, you will ideally demonstrate:
- 15+ years of experience within the clinical research industry, with a strong track record in business development and commercial leadership.
- Proven success identifying, winning and converting Phase I or Early Phase clinical trial opportunities.
- An established network of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and CRO decision-makers.
- Strong understanding of Early Phase clinical development, feasibility, proposals, budgets and clinical trial site selection.
- Experience working within a CRO, clinical research site, Early Phase clinical unit or pharmaceutical/biotechnology organisation.
- Strong commercial negotiation, strategic account management and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including clinical development executives and operational leaders.
- Experience managing complex client relationships and commercial escalations.
- A relevant degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, Business or a related discipline.
- Can speak Mandarin or Cantonese but not essential

Experience with first-in-human studies, healthy volunteer trials and international study placement would be highly advantageous.

What's on Offer?

- Senior commercial leadership opportunity within the clinical research sector.
- Opportunity to drive the growth of an established Early Phase clinical research portfolio.
- Exposure to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and CRO partnerships across Australia, New Zealand and APAC.
- Direct engagement with executive leadership and the Chief Commercial Officer.
- Opportunity to influence commercial strategy, secure high-value clinical trial opportunities and contribute to business growth.
- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience.

Interested?

If you're an experienced clinical research business development professional with a strong network across the Early Phase clinical trial market, we'd welcome a confidential conversation. Apply now or contact James Sutton at Proclinical to discuss this opportunity in confidence.

📌 Business Development Director - Clinical Research (Sydney)
🏢 Proclinical Staffing
📍 Sydney