Business Development & Proposals Manager- CRO

Job Description

Business Development & Proposals Manager- CRO

Full-time, Onsite Position

Base Salary: $110,000–$135,000 annually, plus performance-based incentives

About Emery Pharma

Emery Pharma is a boutique contract research organization specializing in bioanalytical and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) support for biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors. For over a decade, we've built a reputation for scientific rigor and fast, responsive turnaround- the kind of quality and speed that's hard to find at larger, more bureaucratic CROs.

We're a tight-knit team, and our clients work directly with the scientists running their studies rather than getting routed through layers of account management. That high-touch model is core to who we are: it's how we build long-term partnerships instead of one-off transactions, and it's why our clients keep coming back.

Position Overview

The Business Development & Proposals Manager is the primary point of contact for Emery Pharma's current and prospective clients, driving revenue growth through both inbound and outbound business development. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Pharmaceutical Development, this individual will manage the full client lifecycle- from the first inquiry through contract award and ongoing account management- while working closely with our scientific and technical teams to shape winning proposals.

This role requires someone who has worked within a contract research organization and understands the CRO business model from the inside: how studies are scoped and priced, how sponsors evaluate and select a CRO partner, and how technical proposals need to be written to win business in this space.

This is also a fast-paced, high-visibility role for someone who can move fluidly between strategic client conversations and the technical detail work of proposal and budget development. On any given day, this person might be fielding an inbound inquiry from our website, following up on outbound leads, coordinating with scientists and management to scope and price a study, drafting a technical proposal, or representing Emery Pharma at an industry tradeshow (occasional travel, up to ~10%). They'll also contribute to marketing content that supports our positioning in the bioanalytical and CMC space.

We're looking for a sharp, self-directed professional with a science background and prior CRO experience who thrives on variety, sweats the details, and is motivated to grow the business. This role is structured as an individual contributor today, with the potential to grow into a management position as Emery Pharma's business development function expands.

Key Responsibilities  

Business Development & Client Relationships 

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• Serve as the primary point of contact for all prospective and current clients, including inbound inquiries generated through Emery Pharma's website
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• Drive both inbound and outbound business development activity to build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline
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• Manage ongoing client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor who understands each sponsor's study needs and priorities
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• Lead contract and pricing negotiations, applying CRO industry experience to structure terms that work for both the client and Emery Pharma, with final sign-off from management
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• Represent Emery Pharma at industry tradeshows and conferences, building relationships and generating new business leads (occasional travel, up to ~10%) 
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Proposal & Budget Development 

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• Own the end-to-end proposal development process, translating client requirements into clear, compelling technical and commercial proposals
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• Partner closely with management and technical scientists to scope studies accurately and develop competitive, well-substantiated budgets
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• Draw on hands-on CRO experience to anticipate what sponsors are evaluating for and craft proposals that speak directly to how CRO partners are selected
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• Manage multiple proposals simultaneously under competing deadlines, maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail throughout 
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Marketing & Industry Presence 

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• Develop marketing content including website and capability collateral, tradeshow/event materials, and scientific or technical content that showcases Emery Pharma's bioanalytical and CMC expertise
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• Help maintain and strengthen Emery Pharma's visibility and reputation within the CRO and pharmaceutical development community 
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General 

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• Move fluidly between fast-paced client-facing work and detail-intensive technical writing, often shifting priorities multiple times within a day
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• Contribute directly to Emery Pharma's revenue growth by expanding the client base and strengthening existing relationships
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Qualifications & Requirements  

Requirements 

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• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in a science field (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline)
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• 3-8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including a minimum of 2 years at a contract research organization- CRO experience is essential to this role      
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• Strong analytical background, with working knowledge of cGMPs, ICH guidelines, and relevant FDA regulations, and a solid understanding of the drug development process
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• Demonstrated ability to move quickly and accurately between competing priorities, with excellent attention to detail
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• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, persuasive client-facing content
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• Strong team player who works effectively and collaboratively with scientists, management, and clients alike
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• Sharp, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal oversight·      Appropriate technical experience with relevant laboratory techniques within a regulated (GLP/GMP) environment
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• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area 
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Work Requirements 

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• Full-time, onsite position based in the San Francisco Bay Area
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• Some travel required, primarily for industry tradeshows and conferences (up to ~10%) 
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Contact Us

Emery Pharma has a competitive compensation and benefit package including health, dental, and vision premiums, 401k retirement plan with company contribution, and quarterly performance bonuses. Company offers a paid/flexible time off policy.

Please send resume /C.V. with a cover letter to: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Emery Pharma is an equal opportunity employer.