Director, Pharma Business Development EU

About the role

The Director, Pharma Business Development has the opportunity to grow our business with pharmaceutical companies by generating new leads, securing strategic partnerships, managing key accounts, and contributing to the go-to-market strategy of the company, in order to implement innovative digital pathology diagnostics that improve clinical decision‑making and patient outcomes.

In this role you will directly manage your portfolio of work with your key clients and be responsible for identifying and closing new business opportunities with an eye on long‑term renewable business with said clients. As part of the global commercial team and reporting to the VP Business Development, you will be key in promoting Waiv’s advanced AI/machine learning technology to enhance biomarker discovery, clinical trials, market access, and commercial efforts in pharma.

The position will require intimate cross‑team collaboration with our Data, R&D, Product and strategy, Pathology and Medical, Legal and regulatory teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth by engaging major pharmaceutical clients across multiple stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, C‑Suite executives, therapeutic leadership, R&D and data science, translational research & biomarker, precision medicine, diagnostic/companion diagnostic and procurement teams.
• Secure strategic new business while growing existing accounts, with a strong emphasis on renewable long‑term engagements, through leading proposals and managing contracting processes.
• Engage the market with Waiv’s AI and machine learning capabilities to discover new digital pathology biomarkers, develop new AI diagnostic tools that impact clinical trial challenges, support CDx/IVD strategies and identify patients in clinical routine.
• Significantly contribute to scaling the company and implementing world‑class business development solutions. Support market positioning and the go‑to‑market strategy, including providing competitive and market intelligence.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally alongside Waiv’s teams to ensure alignment on client needs and market positioning, ensuring the delivery of world‑class digital pathology diagnostics.
• Cultivate Waiv’s reputation as a pioneer in AI and digital pathology diagnostics within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors through influential thought leadership.

This position involves regular international travel to meet clients, attend conferences and congresses, and participate in team meetings in France.

The position can be based in Paris, France or remotely in France or in the EU/UK.

About you

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in business development and account management within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or diagnostic sectors, with significant experience in high‑value Diagnostic and CDx collaborations. Demonstrated capabilities in driving revenue growth and closing high‑value and complex Diagnostics/Cdx, clinical trials and/or service collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.

Expertise in Pharma & Diagnostics: A deep understanding of drug development, clinical trials, and companion diagnostic (CDx) or in vitro diagnostic (IVD) solutions, especially within the context of AI and machine learning. A significant and relevant network across the R&D/Precision Medicine/Diagnostic pharmaceutical industry and can develop consultative relationships.

A University Degree with a strong scientific and business background (business school or MBA), preferably a Masters/PhD degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, HEOR, Genetics or Oncology.

Personal attributes that ensure you thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing, entrepreneurial environment such as proactivity, independence, tenacity and adaptability. Great Waiv’s people also possess a good sense of humor, integrity and professionalism.

An excellent level of English language, with high levels of verbal communication and writing skills (including strengths in running effective sales, business and internal meetings, preparing and delivering professional pitches and complex negotiations).

Computer literacy (Google suite, Slack, Salesforce, Mac).

A fascination for innovative research and Artificial Intelligence and the future of clinical diagnosis.

Ideally, experience of working in a PE or VC backed start‑up company environment where thinking outside the box while supporting it to scale are key ingredients to success.

This is an opportunity to join a fast‑growing, well‑funded company with real potential to make an impact on the lives of patients.