Overview
Global Business Development Lead
Location: Onsite in Diepenbeek, Belgium and remote
SwiftPharma is an agile biotech CDMO pioneering plant molecular farming to enable sustainable, animal-free bioreactors for recombinant protein production. We support clients in biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, animal health, and food tech with scalable, cost-effective solutions.
Role: To support SwiftPharma’s growth, we are recruiting a pragmatic and results-driven Global Business Development Lead to own the business development landscape from strategic planning to hands-on execution. The role drives international growth by identifying, engaging, and securing strategic clients and partnerships, including leadership of external business development consultants. The Global Business Development Lead will focus on maximizing reach and market penetration and positioning the plant-based platform as a premier alternative to traditional protein expression systems.
Reporting: The Global Business Development Lead reports to the CEO and Executive Team and acts as a key commercial sparring partner within the leadership.
Responsibilities
1. Market development & client acquisition
o Identify and develop new business opportunities in biopharma, life science, diagnostics, and food tech across international markets.
o Build and manage a pipeline of qualified leads from early engagement to contract closure.
o Represent SwiftPharma at international conferences, trade fairs, and industry events to enhance visibility and generate leads.
2. Strategic account management
o Foster long-term relationships with key accounts, align client needs with SwiftPharma’s capabilities, and ensure successful onboarding and delivery in collaboration with PM and R&D teams.
3. Partnerships & alliances
o Cultivate strategic alliances with technology partners, innovation hubs, and research institutions that complement SwiftPharma’s mission.
o Explore co-development and licensing opportunities aligned with growth strategy.
4. Market intelligence & commercial strategy
o Conduct competitive analysis and market research to inform pricing, positioning, and service development.
o Provide input into strategic planning by sharing client feedback and identifying emerging trends in biomanufacturing and biologics.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, or related discipline; MBA or equivalent commercial training is a plus.
* Strong knowledge of protein expression systems, especially plant-based or alternative biologics production technologies.
* At least 7 years of experience in business development, sales, and licensing in biotech, pharma, or life sciences.
* Proven success in closing international B2B deals and managing complex sales cycles.
* Existing network of contacts in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, or biotech sectors is highly desirable.
* Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with ability to handle sensitive topics professionally.
* Excellent communicator and team player, able to align and motivate cross-functional stakeholders.
* Independent, ownership-minded, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
* Highly organized with a practical, problem-solving mindset; startup or scale-up experience is a strong asset.
* Proficient with modern project management and workflow tools.
* Fluency in English required; additional languages are a plus.
* Willingness to travel internationally as needed.
Culture & What We Offer
We value collaboration, transparency, and results. The Global Business Development Lead is expected to embody these values and contribute to a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and purposeful work.
* A high-impact opportunity to join a purpose-driven startup at the forefront of sustainable biotech innovation.
* A dynamic, international working environment with room for growth.
* Competitive compensation package.
* Flexible work arrangements.
* A culture of trust, autonomy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
How to apply
If you are interested, please send your CV and a brief motivation to:
Bart Goddyn
Chief Legal & Corporate Development Officer
E-mail: bart.goddyn@swiftpharma.eu
We look forward to hearing how you can make a difference at SwiftPharma.
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