Job Description

Innovate with Purpose. Grow with SmaBio Labs.

SmaBio Labs is a fully integrated CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

We specialize in drug discovery, formulation development, and analytical services -offering seamless support from early research to clinical readiness.

With a growing team of multidisciplinary experts and a strong client-centric mindset, SmaBio Labs partners with innovators to transform ideas into life-changing therapies.

Your Work Matters.

At SmaBio Labs, we are building a culture where every team member has the opportunity to:

• Engage in science that directly impacts patient outcomes
• Learn new skills in an inspiring and collaborative environment
• Grow meaningful connections with coworkers, partners, and the broader community

We’re committed to fostering a fast-paced and inclusive workplace.

Your Future Matters.

Renowned for our partner-focused scientific excellence and commitment to quality, we offer rewarding career paths across our expanding lab spaces.

Together with our partners, we strive to accelerate innovation and improve lives. Start a career where You Matter – apply today.

Job Overview

As we continue to expand our footprint and capabilities, SmaBio Labs is seeking a high-impact Director of Business Development to help shape our commercial future.

This individual will be instrumental in driving strategic growth, forging key partnerships, and advancing our presence in the CDMO space.

The Director of Business Development will be responsible for driving SmaBio Labs’ business growth strategy by identifying, pursuing, and securing new client opportunities across our full range of service offerings.

This individual will play a critical role in defining and executing the company’s commercial vision, cultivating strong client relationships, and enhancing our market footprint within the competitive CDMO landscape.

This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Research and Development, Technical Operations, Project Management, Quality and Regulatory Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a business development strategy focused on acquiring new clients across small molecules, biologics, and advanced therapeutic areas.
• Identify and actively pursue high-value opportunities spanning from early to late phase development, technology transfer, and GMP manufacturing.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified leads through direct outreach, relationship cultivation, and support from strategic marketing efforts.
• Lead the development of proposals, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations in close coordination with technical and executive leadership.
• Represent SmaBio Labs as a senior commercial leader at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking forums.
• Serve as a trusted partner to clients by ensuring that proposed solutions meet their development and manufacturing objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to enable seamless project onboarding, effective execution, and long-term client satisfaction.
• Track market trends, evolving customer needs, and competitor activity to guide service positioning and inform commercial strategy.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in life sciences, business, or a related field is required; an advanced degree (DBA or PhD) is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development or strategic partnerships within a CDMO, CRO, or biopharmaceutical environment.
• In-depth knowledge of small molecule and/or biologics development, as well as GMP manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of driving commercial growth and successfully closing complex service agreements.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to excel in a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-growth environment.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with direct influence on the growth trajectory and success of a rapidly expanding CDMO.
• A competitive compensation package that includes base salary and performance-based bonus and competitive benefits.
• A collaborative, science-focused culture with access to advanced technologies and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Strong potential for career progression as part of an agile and forward-thinking executive team.

SmaBio Labs is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment screening process, which may include a background check, reference checks, and drug testing in accordance with applicable laws.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at every level of the organization.

All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.