About Ardena

Ardena is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in precision medicine development. Ardena supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in bringing innovative, complex molecules from discovery to market.

The Ardena Group operates from five sites across Europe and the United States, employing more than 750 professionals. Ardena European sites are located in Oss and Assen (the Netherlands), Ghent (Belgium), and Pamplona (Spain). Ardena US facility is based in Somerset, New Jersey.

We are looking for a Director of Business Development in Europe.

Ardena provides integrated services spanning drug substance development, drug product formulation, GMP manufacturing, bioanalytical services, clinical logistics, fill and finish, and CMC regulatory support.

Job Overview

Position: Director of Business Development

Department: Marketing and Sales

Location: Europe (Germany)

Role Description

The Director of Business Development will join our dynamic Business Development Team for Europe. Your primary role is to evaluate and assess contract manufacturing opportunities with our biotech and pharma customers while growing the EU and NA Markets. You will also align internal capabilities and services with the customers’ outsourcing needs for Ardena's services as well as provide technical support as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• This is a remote, field-based role.

• Proactively develop business opportunities for contract manufacturing by prospecting for and calling on pharmaceutical and biotech companies

• Work with site leaders to successfully meet Sales targets

• Partner with internal sales/marketing and technical support teams to quickly assess and qualify prospects

• Respond to incoming leads and inquiries from multiple-sources, qualify through business analysis, customer evaluations, and strategic fit

• Engage in the preliminary selling stage of the sales cycle through close of project and beyond

• Effectively manage your deals through our CRM system

• Present the value proposition for Ardena's capabilities and services to customers, and facilitate on-site capabilities presentations and support customer onsite visits

• Increase the financial return of each project by maximizing each lead and educating the client on all of the solutions available throughout the Ardena network

• Ensure a successful transition to Project Management when appropriate, while maintaining strong client relationships leading to future business development opportunities

• Ability to attend local trade shows and conferences as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree with work experience in the CDMO industry

• 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry with a focus on Drug Product Development. Drug Substance experience a plus, Nanomedicine experience a plus.

• Fluent in German and English.

• Proven success operating in the CDMO business.

• Experience selling into the EU markets

• Ability to effectively build strong relationships within all levels/disciplines of a biopharma accounts—matrix approach involving both functional representation and multiple levels of senior management

• Proven leadership skills, track record of success, ability to understand customer needs, prioritize multiple tasks, and drive projects to completion.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of the CDMO market, pharmaceutical industry and its key players, familiarity with CRM systems, ability to negotiate development and commercial agreements, able to utilize travel booking platforms and arrange appropriate self travel.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform job requirements as necessary including frequent road, train, and air travel 50% travel expected.

What Ardena Offers

Ardena is a science-driven and people-focused employer. Working at Ardena means contributing to pharmaceutical projects that support the availability, safety, and quality of medicines for patients worldwide.

Ardena offers an international working environment where employees are encouraged to develop their expertise, take ownership, and grow their careers across functions and locations.

Benefits and perks at Ardena include:

• Competitive salary and tailored benefits package (adjusted per role and location)

• Flexible working arrangements and paid annual leave (where applicable, depending on role and site)

• International and collaborative work environment across European and US sites

• Access to professional development and training programs

• Meaningful work on pharmaceutical development projects that advance patient health

• A values-driven culture guided by Ardena’s CARE principles: Communicative, Accountable, Reliable, and Excellent

The Salary Range for this role is 80-110 euros base plus a competitive IC plan and car allowance.

How to Apply

Ready to advance your career in pharmaceutical development? Apply now through the Ardena Careers website at careers.ardena.com.