Commercial Development Manager

Position: Commercial Development Manager

Location: UK preferred, other locations in EU near major airports considered

Experience: BS with 5 - 10 years relevant experience

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor.

We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Commercial Development Manager, based in western Europe. This position reports to the Vice President of Commercial Development and will be responsible for driving sales growth via OEM partnerships across the company’s genomics product portfolio with an emphasis on NGS solutions and engineered enzyme systems for diagnostic applications.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.

The position provides an opportunity to expand relationships with existing partners, as well as develop new Watchmaker commercial partnerships with cutting‑edge technology developers driving exciting new applications in a rapidly evolving industry.

Responsibilities

• Maintain existing accounts and relationships within the segment. Build relationships with customer product development teams to secure business continuity through new iterations of customer products.
• Expand business at existing accounts through a keen understanding of NGS & Molecular Diagnostic workflows and assays, including and associated enzymology
• Initiate contact with new prospects to understand priorities, identify pain points and develop strategies to address prospects’ business needs, building long term relationships to enable Watchmaker early access to evolving assay development requirements
• Astutely deliver Watchmaker’s strong value proposition to new prospects via in person meetings and video conferences - both conversationally and with custom tailored presentations to communicate key differentiators based on customer needs
• Develop a territory business plan including strategic target account priorities to penetrate and establish new key accounts
• Anticipate key trends in the market and industry and provide feedback on lucrative portfolio expansion opportunities
• Lead the discovery and sales process and manage expectations to ensure that the new client’s needs and expectations around product and customizations are being met throughout the entire engagement via continued communication with both the client and internal teams.
• Work closely with custom development team to establish feasibility and develop effective custom proposals for simple pack size customization, private label, and more complex custom development deals
• Follow effective sales process within CRM to maximize close rate and drive strong revenue growth within the territory; conduct live QBRs with key clients on a routine basis
• Maintain an accurate forecast of both revenue and product demand across the territory
• Respond to RFPs, tenders, write quotations, supply agreements, and other contractual agreements
• Co‑manage custom projects through to completion through collaboration with customers and Watchmaker’s internal custom team to establish and execute on custom product specifications
• Ability to travel ~ 40% to customer sites, conferences, and trade shows
• Other duties as assigned

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have at minimum a BS in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline, with at least five (5) years of relevant OEM sales experience selling DNA and RNA modifying enzymes and kits into commercial accounts such as NGS platform and tool developers, IVD Kit developers, and other B2B/OEM scenarios. Broad technical knowledge of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes and NGS technology is a requirement. Experience in start-up environments is highly desirable.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Excellent investigative skills to uncover key client pain points and needs, as well identify emerging market trends and opportunities to customize solutions
• Expert, creative negotiation skills, familiarity with complex commercial agreements
• Ability to navigate complex commercial relationships to a successful outcome
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively as an effective member of a team
• Mastery of Watchmaker’s unique value proposition
• Knowledge of ISO13485 quality standards and high level understanding of regulatory framework governing LDTs, IVD, and IVD‑R
• Excellent organizational and task management skills with acute attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and maintain a high standard, perform consistently under pressure
• Self motivated with strong initiative to deliver on a territory plan while maintaining positive, collaborative working internal relationships
• A creative yet disciplined approach to problem‑solving
• Competent in Google Suite, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce

Education and Experience

• BS with minimum 5 years genomics industry experience selling into commercial accounts

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

This position may be subject to pre‑employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre‑employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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