[Hiring] Commercial Development Manager @The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Role Description

You will develop the commercial pipeline for viral vector CDMO services through targeted prospect outreach, account development and early-stage project discovery. Working from assigned prospect lists and identifying new contacts through available data and tools, you will engage cold and warm leads, qualify potential opportunities. As directed, you will either mature opportunities or work with Senior Commercial colleagues to progress opportunities. You will also manage assigned accounts and work with customers and internal technical colleagues to clarify the potential scope of new projects.

You will help build territory plans, identify and prioritize target customers in line with business goals, and use consultative selling and relevant marketing activities to establish new relationships and grow engagement in existing accounts. You will work with commercial, technical and field marketing colleagues in a remote, matrix environment to maintain continuity throughout the opportunity-development process.

Role is Field Based

In this role, you will:

• Conduct thoughtful, persistent cold and warm outreach to prospects in your assigned geography; research organizations and contacts to identify relevant needs.
• Develop and prioritize prospect lists using available data, tools and internal sources; build relationships that support future commercial opportunities.
• Qualify early-stage interest by understanding customer needs, timing, stakeholders, manufacturing needs and potential fit for viral vector CDMO services.
• Participate in technical customer discussions and consult with internal technical colleagues to surface potential project scope, manufacturing solutions and requirements.
• Coordinate clear, timely handoffs to a Senior CDM as required, including account context, customer needs, engagement history and agreed next steps.
• Manage assigned accounts, maintain regular customer contact and identify opportunities to deepen or expand engagement.
• Record customer communications, outreach activity, lead status and next steps accurately and promptly in Salesforce (SFDC).
• Periodically represent the business at conferences, industry events and customer meetings to generate leads and build relationships.

The position is remote and field-based, with expected travel of less than 25% for customer engagements and industry events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (including cell biology, molecular biology or immunology), engineering or a related discipline.
• At least two years of sales, technical sales or client relationship experience, ideally in a biomanufacturing environment; customer-facing experience in the viral vector CDMO space.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and approach prospective customers, initiate conversations, build rapport and sustain outreach across a sales cycle.
• Ability to engage potential customers in technical discussions, explain relevant capabilities and recognize when to involve technical experts.
• Strong listening, discovery, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to research and prioritize prospects.
• Ability to manage multiple prospects and assigned accounts, document activity consistently in a CRM and provide reliable handoffs.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to work across commercial and technical functions in a remote, matrix environment.
• Willingness to travel periodically; expected travel is less than 25%.

Requirements

• MBA or PhD in biology, engineering or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of gene therapy development and regulatory requirements, viral vector manufacturing, process development, bioreactor technology, downstream processing or biological safety testing.
• Experience working in a regulated environment and interacting effectively with process development and quality assurance / quality control professionals.
• Experience developing territory plans and partnering with field marketing colleagues on lead generation.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement contributions
• Other perquisites

Company Description

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!