Senior Manager, Business Development – Pharma & Life Sciences

Position Summary 

Axle is seeking a driven and execution-focused Sales Leader to lead commercial growth across the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology sectors.  

This role is designed for a self-directed builder who can independently identify opportunities, develop strategic relationships, and convert Axle’s data, analytics, and technology capabilities into high-impact commercial engagements. The right candidate will enter the role with an existing network and active book of business, and will be able to convert those relationships into revenue.   

This individual will serve as the primary commercial owner for pharma and life science companies, acting as a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical manufacturers, CRO’s, medical device companies, health systems, and other healthcare ecosystem stakeholders. The role blends market development, consultative selling, and partnership execution, with direct accountability for pipeline creation and revenue growth.   This role requires an onsite presence in Tysons, VA five days per week. This role is eligible for a competitive bonus plan.

Key Responsibilities 

Market Development & Client Engagement 

• Build, maintain, and monetize senior executive relationships across pharmaceutical manufacturers, CRO’s, medical device companies, health systems, and other healthcare ecosystem stakeholders 

• Leverage an existing book of business and industry relationships to accelerate pipeline creation and early deal conversion.  

• Serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders on data-driven decision-making, analytics modernization, and technology-enabled transformation.  

• Independently identify, qualify, and pursue new commercial opportunities aligned to Axle’s core capabilities.  

• Develop deep understanding of client business models, regulatory environments, and operational pain points. 

• Act as a credible Axle representative in conversations with senior scientific and business stakeholders. 

Business Development Execution 

• Own an individual revenue target and sales quota for insurance and financial services accounts. 

• Own the full sales lifecycle from initial outreach through deal close and expansion 

• Translate Axle’s scientific, data, and analytics capabilities into clear, outcome-driven value propositions. 

• Drive consultative selling efforts across Axle’s life sciences offerings, including data analytics, AI/ML, and scientific services. 

• Support pricing, proposal development, and contract negotiations in partnership with internal stakeholders. 

Solution Positioning & Go-To-Market Support 

• Collaborate with technical leaders and SMEs to shape client-specific solutions and engagement models. 

• Provide real-time market feedback to refine Axle’s pharma go-to-market strategy and offerings. 

• Identify opportunities for repeatable solutions, partnerships, and account expansion. 

• Contribute to the development of client-facing materials and sales enablement content. 

Client Success & Growth Enablement 

• Partner with delivery teams to ensure successful transition from sale to execution. 

• Maintain client relationships post-sale to support expansion, renewals, and long-term growth. 

• Monitor engagement health and proactively address risks or concerns. 

• Focus on building durable client relationships that drive sustainable growth. 

Qualifications 

• 5–8 years of experience in business development, consulting, or commercial roles within pharma, biotech, CROs, CDMOs, or life sciences technology organizations. 

• Demonstrated success selling services, data, or technology solutions into pharmaceutical or biotechnology clients. 

• Proven ability to build and convert pipeline quickly, closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals in regulated enterprise environments. 

• Strong working knowledge of pharma and life sciences operating environments, including R&D, clinical development, and data ecosystems. 

• Proven ability to independently build pipeline and advance complex, multi-stakeholder deals. 

• Comfortable engaging with scientific, technical, and business audiences. 

• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills. 

Preferred Attributes 

• Hunter mentality with a strong bias toward action and execution. 

• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating with limited structure. 

• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to deeply understand scientific and technical solutions. 

• High ownership, accountability, and drive for career progression. 

• Interest in growing into a Director-level role as the business scales.