Director, Business Development

Job Title: Director, Business Development

Department: Business Development

Classification: Exempt

Salary: 170k-180k (Commensurate to experience)

What We Do

Forma is a next-generation Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Irvine, California. The company was recently formed through the acquisition of the Irvine operations from BioDuro and is operating as a newly established, independent entity. As a result, Forma’s standalone online presence is still being built.

We are a lean, entrepreneurial organization of approximately 60 employees focused on drug product development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

Why Forma?

Unlike large, highly layered organizations, Forma operates with a hands-on, execution-driven model. Our teams work closely across functions to solve complex technical and operational challenges, move quickly, and deliver consistently high-quality results.

Employees at Forma are expected to take on meaningful responsibility, collaborate directly with colleagues and clients, and contribute to building scalable systems and processes as the company grows. This is an environment well suited to individuals who value autonomy, technical excellence, and the opportunity to help shape a growing organization.

Job Overview/Summary

This position is directly responsible for the development and implementation of strategies focusing on growing our Pre-Formulation, Formulation Development, Clinical/ Commercial Product Manufacturing services through new and existing accounts in the assigned territory. The Director of Business Development builds an internal and external network that enables client success and identifies new clients and follows through on leads from a variety of sources.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

· Execute business development initiatives that are consistent with the company’s overall strategy

· Research and prospect clients for our pre-formulation through late-stage clinical oral solids manufacturing facility; partner with business development team covering Tech Transfer, registration, and Commercial development projects.

· Assess needs of prospective clients and alignment with Forma’s capabilities and growth opportunities

· Communicate Forma’s strengths and capabilities to prospective and current clients through tailored presentations

· Respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and gather information from prospective clients in the absence of RFPs

· Utilize CRM software to accurately track and update leads, contacts, opportunities, proposals, business development activities, and projects

· Generate proposals, contracts, and service agreements in partnership with the proposal, R&D, and operations teams

· Generate and communicate business opportunities, including financial and strategic considerations to Forma management and operations teams; ensure proposals are consistent with execution plans

· Confidently negotiate and close both fee-for-service and long-term / ongoing manufacturing contracts

· Develop and manage strategic relationships with clients to track and ensure revenue growth for key accounts

· Serve as escalation point for business issues with existing and new clients; partner with contract management to ensure contracts are working and updated

· Represent and champion clients’ needs internally to balance business needs with client relationships

· Coordinate with other BD to discover and implement best practices for Forma’s business development efforts

· Maintain accurate and accessible tailored documentation—presentations / proposals / agreements/ updates—to meet client needs

· Partner with internal teams (technical, project management, operations, manufacturing) to ensure clients’ needs are being implemented

· Serve as internal resource for market and competitive awareness and understanding of the industry

· Work with Marketing to create and manage marketing collateral and initiatives to support business development and brand awareness

· Represent Forma at industry events and tradeshows in a professional manner to gain new business leads and opportunities

· Work within and contribute to the work ethic, culture, and values of the company and the business development team

· This job description is subject to change at any time.

Requirements

· BS or advanced degree in Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutics, or an equivalent; an MBA is a plus

· A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry

· A minimum of 5 years’ experience in sales and account management

· Experience working in the pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry is highly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

· Broad knowledge of the development, testing, and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products

· Strong client management skills, sales skills, and ability to keep commitments

· Strong communication skills in all forms including written, oral, email, telephone, and presentation

· Ability to manage multiple work-streams and lead teams to coordinate client responses and negotiations

Working Conditions

• Home office (based in US)

• Travel required to Client locations and conference/events, as regulations permit.

Benefits

We offer full health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, an aggressive bonus structure, and market-competitive salaries to all our employees. In addition, Forma provides employees with a variety of engaging employee and community outreach events.

EOE and Accommodation

We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Forma provides reasonable accommodation in job application procedures for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need accommodation in connection with the recruiting process due to a disability, you may use the alternative methods by emailing [email protected]. If you are selected to interview for a position, you may also request an accommodation with our team directly.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Forma is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Forma employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Forma. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.