Global Business Development, Director/Vice President

Citadel Search

We are looking for a Director/Senior Manager of Global Business Development in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. In this role, you will expand the footprint and accelerate the growth of the organisation within the CDMO industry. Your key responsibilities include developing and executing strategies to secure international partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the APAC & Japan region.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities in contract manufacturing and development services.
  • Build and nurture relationships with key decision-makers of pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
  • Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to expand the B2B business, focusing on securing high-value accounts in APAC & Japan.
  • Utilize strategic consultative selling techniques to position the company as a go-to CDMO partner.
  • Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and define its unique niche to answer to market needs.
  • Provide feedback to senior leadership team on market demands, customer insights, and opportunities for growth and expansion.
  • Ensure smooth customer experience from initial contact to contract execution and project delivery.
  • Participate in major pharmaceutical conferences, trade shows, and networking events to enhance visibility and build brand awareness.
  • Use Salesforce and other CRM tools to track opportunities, pipeline growth, and customer interactions.
  • Collaborate with global HQ and internal teams (e.g., technical, quality, operations) to ensure customer expectations are met and work with Proposals Teams to craft well-developed propositions.
  • Ensure effective technical transfer of technology with Operations team.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science, Business, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, of which 3+ years is in CDMO business development.
  • Achieved a successful track record of revenue growth.
  • Strong knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug development and manufacturing process, including small molecules, OSD, sterile injectables, and complex formulations.
  • Proven ability in building solid relationships and execute sales strategies and business development plans.
  • Proficiency in the latest CRM systems and market analytics tools.
  • Possess excellent communication skills in English.
  • Proficient in Mandarin (i.e. proficiency in written Chinese language is not a must).
  • Ability to travel in the APAC & Japan region for client meetings, industry events, and internal site visits.

To apply for this job email your details to recruit@citadelsearch.com.sg.

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Sim Jie Yi

Feb 2025 – Aug 2025

Pursuing a Business Administration degree at National University of Singapore (NUS) 

My 6-month internship with Citadel Search has been a highly rewarding and formative experience. Under the supportive mentorship of Cindy, I was entrusted with responsibilities in both recruitment and digital marketing, contributing to projects across a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, finance, and engineering, and was involved in a successful role closure during my time.

On the digital marketing end, I shaped the firm’s social media strategy. This involved crafting LinkedIn content that delivered value to both employers and candidates, while also drawing on my creativity in posts to diversify the firm’s online presence.

In recruitment, the experience gave me a strong foundation for understanding the employer’s perspective, from recognising what makes a CV stand out to understanding how employers assess candidates during interviews. Sourcing candidates sharpened my problem-solving mindset and systematic approach, as I created comprehensive research maps and leveraged existing databases to enhance our sourcing speed, stamina and strategy. Furthermore, conducting candidate qualification interviews honed my interpersonal skills and deepened my understanding of how competency-based questions can be used to assess candidates.

In addition to strengthening my technical skills, this internship allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the firm through innovation. It has fostered a problem-solving mindset in me, encouraging me to go beyond simply completing tasks by actively seeking more efficient and sustainable approaches.

Citadel Search offers internships for Pre-University and University students that balance personal mentorship, hands-on learning and the autonomy to grow. The team is inspiring and supportive, and have equipped me with invaluable life skills that I will cherish for years to come. You are sure to learn a lot in your time here!

Zhu Bo Lin

March 2025 – June 2025

Pursuing Robotics at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore

Interning at Citadel Search has been an incredibly fulfilling and eye-opening experience. As someone with a strong interest in programming and problem-solving, I gained industry exposure and tackled real datasets to optimize workflows, applying both technical and analytical skills to practical use. 

Beyond picking up new programming languages, I learned best practices in software development, documentation, and workflow automation. Being entrusted with projects helped me grow more adaptable and resourceful and boosted my confidence as a developer.

Working in an agile team gave me a unique level of freedom and ownership over my work. I really appreciate how I could contribute directly and see the results of my efforts. This hands-on environment accelerated my learning and made each project feel very meaningful.

I am extremely thankful to Cindy and Raymond for providing this opportunity and creating a safe and supportive environment for me to experiment, ask questions and voice my opinions. As an intern, I felt valued and supported under their care.

Thinking back to the simulation test during my interview, I’m proud of how far I’ve come since my first day, especially in the way I think analytically and tackle problems with a clearer approach. The skills and experience I gained here have given me a solid foundation as I take my next steps into robotics. For anyone looking to learn, contribute, and be part of a supportive team, Citadel Search is the place to be!