Senior Director, Commercial Business Development

Senior Director, Commercial Business Development

Are you passionate about making the world better? Are you looking for an organization that aligns with your values? MRIGlobal solves challenging problems through science, engineering, and program management. We are an independent scientific research organization dedicated to benefiting society and fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. When you embark on a career with MRIGlobal, you are joining a crew of world-class talent and problem solvers. Established in 1944, MRIGlobal is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, working in several states including Virginia and Maryland.

MRIGlobal's Commercial Business Development team provides full-service business development to identify, qualify, capture, and deliver new projects. We are seeking a Senior Director, Commercial Business Development, to lead and develop a team of business development professionals while also personally driving growth by building and advancing a pipeline of opportunities in the pharmaceutical market. This is a customer-facing leadership role for a candidate who can set strategy, expand customer relationships, generate new business, and guide a high-performing team.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Business Development, this role is ideal for a senior commercial business development leader with deep experience in the pharmaceutical market, an established customer and partner network, and a strong track record of leading teams and winning new business. This position requires a leader who can align market opportunity with organizational capability, guide capture and deal strategy, and work effectively across scientific, operational, marketing, finance, contracts, and executive teams.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of commercial business development professionals by building strategies, setting priorities, coaching performance, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented culture.
• Lead the identification, development, and execution of commercial growth strategies that expand market presence, strengthen key accounts, and drive revenue growth across targeted markets and customer segments.
• Build, qualify, and manage a robust pipeline of commercial opportunities in support of our pharmaceutical development portfolio.
• Establish and grow relationships with commercial clients, partners, and key decision-makers to generate new business, expand existing accounts, and position differentiated solutions that create long-term value.
• Direct the commercial opportunity lifecycle from lead generation and qualification through capture, proposal development, negotiation, and award, working closely with internal teams to shape competitive solutions.
• Partner with scientific, operational, marketing, finance, contracts, and executive leadership teams to align commercial growth strategies with organizational capabilities and support strong customer engagement.
• Monitor and share market trends, customer drivers, competitor activity, and emerging industry developments to inform strategic positioning, account planning, and business development priorities.
• Drive disciplined pipeline forecasting, performance reporting, and annual business planning, and represent MRIGlobal externally through conferences, industry events, partner meetings, and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, science, engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive business development experience including substantial experience in commercial pharmaceutical markets.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing business development strategies that generate, pursue, and close new business.
• Experience across the full business development lifecycle, including market assessment, lead generation, opportunity qualification, capture strategy, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Experience assessing customer needs, shaping solutions, and positioning differentiated offerings in technically complex markets.
• Proven ability to build and manage a robust opportunity pipeline and translate market intelligence into growth strategies.
• Prior people leadership experience.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing business development teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard business software.
• Ability to travel as required.

The salary range is intended as a general guideline and is not a guaranteed offer, as compensation depends on various factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market conditions. MRIGlobal also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance, disability coverage, gym reimbursement, mental health support, paid holidays, and PTO.