Business Development Director

Business Development Director, Medical Communications

Remote, aligned to Eastern Time. Eligibility for candidates located in US East Coast or Canada 

Are you a results and relationship-driven leader with a passion for science and growth? Do you thrive on building meaningful partnerships and winning complex, high-value business? If so, we’d love to talk to you.

At Ashfield Medical Communications, part of Inizio Medical, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We live our values, push boundaries, and deliver excellence for our clients every day. As we continue our strong growth journey, we’re looking for a Business Development Director to help shape our future and accelerate our success. This is a place where ambition is supported and careers truly grow.

The Opportunity

As Business Development Director, you will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth across Ashfield MedComms, with a primary focus on commercial and promotional medical education, alongside opportunities in medical affairs and publications.

You’ll be responsible for identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities,translating market insight into winning account strategies and building trusted, long-term client relationships. Working closely with colleagues across Inizio Medical, you’ll lead the end-to-end business development process: from prospecting and first engagement through to pitch leadership and contract signature.

You’ll act as the bridge between client needs and internal expertise—briefing teams clearly, shaping compelling proposals, and ensuring we consistently deliver differentiated, high-impact solutions.

Responsibilities include:

Growth & Market Expansion

• Proactively generate high-quality leads through networking, targeted prospecting, and industry and scientific events
• Develop and maintain a strong network of senior industry stakeholders to create a consistent, high-value pipeline
• Represent Ashfield MedComms and Inizio Medical at key industry events, leading preparation and follow-up activities
• Own and manage opportunities within Inizio’s CRM, with clear monthly and quarterly pipeline reporting
• Support client teams in protecting and expanding existing accounts (“organic growth”)
• Diversification  of  existing client relationships into new service areas, including publications, medical affairs, commercial, clinical, HEOR/market access, digital, and AI-enabled solutions

Commercial Excellence

• Champion Inizio best practices for business development and proposal development including introduction of supplementary training where necessary
• Support the creation of compelling, innovative, and differentiated cross-functional proposals
• Contribute to the evolution of service offerings in line with industry trends such as omnichannel engagement, digital transformation, and AI-powered content
• Develop and refine marketing materials and credentials that showcase our expertise and competitive advantage

Leadership, Project Management, Finance and Compiance

• Collaborate closely with Client Service, Medical & Scientific Services, and Project Management teams, to manage business development. Build trusted relationships and influence teams to align on growth objectives and drive new opportunities.
• Establish and maintain robust new business working practices aligned with Inizio Medical business development standard operation procedures (e.g.: record keeping, responsibility, accountability, timeliness, etc.)  for Ashfield MedCommsSOPs
• Partner with Client Services and Project Management teams to revise draft budgets for all proposed business development work
• Ensure confidentiality, compliance, and internal firewalls are upheld at all times
• Maintain accurate records of all business development activity including: meeting records,  capabilities decks, proposal resources, and supporting materials within Inizio’s CRM.
• Manage proposal submissions through sourcing platforms such as Ariba and Scientist

Who has the qualities to join our team?

An intellectually curious and highly motivated, results-driven individual with Healthcare Communications Business Development experience in an agency setting. Focus on commercial/promotional medical education is a major advantage.  

You will be used to working to commercial annual targets and familiar with territory planning and management process. You will have a proven track record of success in identifying, developing and closing new business within Medical Communications environment, including commercial/promotional medical education. As part of a function supporting an organization of 2500+ individuals, you will need to be a very effective communicator capable of adapting to working with stakeholders across all levels of Inizio and representing a wide spectrum of personalities.  

You will have a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and be motivated by a fast-paced environment with the ability to quickly adapt to change

The qualified candidate will meet the following requirements: 

• A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree with extensive experience in a medical communications agency or pharmaceutical company environment

• Deep pharmaceutical industry knowledge and awareness of business and clients

• Extensive solutions/consultative selling and business development experience with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

• Strong interpersonal, relationship building skills and ability to interface with all levels of management both internally and with the prospects

• Resourceful, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to focus and prioritize key actions leading to priority outcomes (for your territory, agency and company).

• Clear and effective decision making and influencing abilities; demonstrated influencing leadership skills

• Solid team player with proven successful track record of working collaboratively in virtual/cross-functional/divisional teams

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; outstanding presentation skills

• Passion for science and solid track record of providing exceptional solutions to meet client needs

• High level of accountability and business ethics

• Willingness to travel is required

What We Offer

• Join a collaborative, supportive culture that encourages career progression.
• Work alongside scientists, strategists, and analytics experts in a top 5 Communications business worldwide.
• Competitive base; hybrid/work-life balance and professional development supported.