Business Development Manager (Drug Substance)
Key Skills
Job Description
Regional strategy | International travel | Commercial ownership Ofichem is strengthening its Drug Substance commercial team and is looking for a Business Development Manager with a genuine hunter mentality. You will identify opportunities, open doors and convert technically complex discussions into profitable new business. Working directly with senior decision-makers across pharmaceutical and biotech companies, you will combine scientific understanding with commercial drive and execution. Our Drug Substance business operates across three sites in Ter Apel, the Netherlands; Uppsala, Sweden; and New York, USA. You will represent the capabilities of the full network, matching customer requirements with the right expertise, technology and manufacturing location. You will own and execute a regional business development and go-to-market strategy across two complementary markets: R&D and CDMO projects, with longer, consultative sales cycles covering process development, scale-up, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing. Commercial APIs and intermediates, generating a faster-moving pipeline of product enquiries, quotations and supply opportunities. This balance provides variety, pace and the opportunity to build a resilient pipeline across development and commercial business. Who are we? Ofichem is a family-owned integrated pharmaceutical CDMO, established in 1975, supporting customers worldwide with development, manufacturing and distribution of both drug substance and drug products. Quality, compliance and transparency are central to our activities, operating according to high GMP & FDA standards and offer audit-ready solutions tailored to different scales and development phases. We value clear communication, short lines of communication and ownership, enabling us to adapt quickly and work together on sustainable solutions and progress. What will you do? Build and own the global pipeline (EMEA, USA, LATAM, APAC) from prospecting through to contract signature. Develop regional plans and go-to-market strategies with clear commercial priorities and measurable growth targets. Engage with senior scientific, procurement, and executive stakeholders, and build lasting relationships. Translate customer challenges into commercially attractive development, manufacturing and API supply solutions, including small-molecule, oligonucleotide, peptide and saccharide projects. Independently own technical-commercial discussions, proposals, quotations, pricing and contract negotiations. Grow selected key accounts by identifying new projects, molecules and cross-site opportunities. Work with Group Marketing on targeted campaigns and sales-qualified leads. Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Project Management, Quality, Regulatory and Finance to develop credible proposals and ensure effective project handovers. Use business intelligence, CRM data and AI-enabled tools to improve targeting, market insight, competitor activity and opportunity management. Represent Ofichem at customer meetings, conferences and industry events across your region and internationally. What you bring A strong educational background in organic chemistry, process chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline. An MSc or PhD is advantageous; a PhD is not essential. Strong experience of process chemistry, chemical development, scale-up or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Minimum of 3 years’ experience in business development or technical sales within a GMP CDMO, API manufacturer, pharmaceutical company or related environment. A demonstrable record (>€10M) of winning new business, growing revenue or delivering measurable commercial value. A hunter mentality, entrepreneurial approach, resilience and personal accountability: you create opportunities rather than wait for them and focus on delivery and tangible results. Fluent English, written and spoken. Additional languages are an advantage. Willingness to travel regularly for customer engagement, conferences and site visits (up to 40%). What we offer A hybrid position - Ofichem site location preferential, or remote from any European country. A competitive compensation package aligned with your location and experience. Employment benefits tailored to your country of employment, with details discussed during the recruitment process. The opportunity to take ownership, make a tangible commercial impact and grow with an international team. Opportunities for professional growth as you develop new markets, partnerships and business opportunities. Flexibility and autonomy to organise your work and manage your responsibilities independently. Interested? If you enjoy combining chemistry, strategy and high-energy business development, and you recognize yourself in this profile, then we would like to hear from you. Please send your CV and motivation letter to [email protected] or apply directly. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
Core Responsibilities
Own and grow the global business development pipeline by developing regional strategies, prospecting, engaging senior customer stakeholders, and converting opportunities into contracts. Lead technical-commercial proposals, pricing, and negotiations while coordinating with internal teams to deliver development, manufacturing, and API supply solutions.
Requirements
Candidates need a relevant background in organic or process chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline, along with experience in process chemistry, development, scale-up, or pharmaceutical manufacturing. The role requires at least three years of business development or technical sales experience, a demonstrable record of more than €10 million in commercial results, fluent English, and willingness to travel up to 40%.
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation
- Country-Specific Employment Benefits
- Professional Growth Opportunities
- Flexible Work Arrangement
- Autonomy
About Ofichem Group
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Company size: 51-200 employees
Ofichem is a European-centred CDMO that pharma teams count on for flexible, reliable supply. With over 50 years of GMP-certified experience, we tailor every solution, big or small, to what clients really need, not just what’s standard. We’re known for being clear, fast, and easy to work with, and we bring the experience to guide and the heart to support. We don’t just show up, we stand by you. That’s just how we’re built.