Wacker Chemie AG is hiring a Director of Business Development, Biopharma – U.S. Market. In this senior commercial leadership role, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market penetration, and strengthening strategic customer relationships across the United States. You will oversee all U.S. commercial activities for Wacker’s CDMO offerings, including pDNA, mRNA, and microbial‑derived protein services across early‑ and late‑stage programs.
What You'll Do
- Develop and implement a comprehensive U.S. regional sales strategy aligned with global commercial objectives, focused on revenue growth, market penetration, and profitability.
- Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing regional sales organization, including Business Development Managers, Account Managers, and Subject Matter Experts.
- Drive strategic business development initiatives that identify new opportunities, expand the customer base, and strengthen Wacker Biopharma’s presence across U.S. biotech and pharmaceutical hubs.
- Establish ambitious sales targets, implement robust forecasting methodologies, and manage the regional sales pipeline to consistently meet or exceed revenue goals.
- Monitor regional market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and emerging technologies to inform strategic planning and product development.
- Partner closely with Marketing, Project Management, R&D, Operations, and Legal to ensure seamless go‑to‑market execution and differentiated customer experiences.
- Manage strategic key account relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery and identifying opportunities to expand long‑term partnerships.
- Develop and manage the U.S. regional sales budget, optimizing resource allocation to enhance sales efficiency and commercial ROI.
- Oversee the effective use of CRM systems, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and continuous refinement of commercial processes.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience within life science commercial or business development organizations.
- Proven ability to translate market knowledge into impactful sales strategies and execution plans.
- Strong financial competence, including experience with sales forecasting, budgeting, and commercial analytics.
- Outstanding leadership, coaching, and team‑building capabilities across multi‑layered commercial functions.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
- Deep understanding of the sales cycle for complex biologics CDMO services.
- Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and sales analytics platforms.
- Demonstrated track record of consistently exceeding sales targets and driving significant revenue growth in a competitive market.
- Proven experience leading and developing teams that include Business Development, Account Management, and technical Subject Matter Experts.
- Ability to travel as required.
- Strong hunting and prospecting abilities with proven pharma/biotech business development or direct sales experience and a robust network within innovative biopharma communities across North America.
- Strategic and critical thinker with the ability to process market insights, identify opportunities, and design effective commercial strategies.
- Highly collaborative, able to operate effectively within a matrix organization and motivate colleagues across global locations.
- Foundational understanding of biologics manufacturing and core scientific concepts related to bioprocessing and biotherapeutics.
- Foundational understanding of intellectual property considerations and the regulatory environment affecting pharma/biotech in North America/Europe/Asia.
Nice to Have
- Advanced degrees.
Technical Stack
- Salesforce or similar CRM systems
Team & Environment
You will lead a regional sales organization including Business Development Managers, Account Managers, and Subject Matter Experts.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $205,000-$220,000
- Compensation and Incentive plans
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
- Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Wellbeing fund
- Flexible hybrid work arrangements
- 401(k) with company match
- Education Assistance Program
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Support for Community Involvement
Work Mode
This position is based in San Diego.
Wacker is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively promote the equality of opportunity for all who are qualified and bring the requisite experience, talent, skill and potential, without regard to age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics.
