7 Sales and Commercial Career Paths in the Life Science Industry

Here, we’ve rounded up 7 Sales and Commercial career paths within the life science industry, outlining the key responsibilities of each role.

Sales

In the life science industry, sales professionals are responsible for promoting and selling products or services to clients, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or scientific equipment. They research and identify potential customers, build relationships, and negotiate contracts. Sales representatives may make sales calls, conduct product demonstrations, and provide education and training to healthcare professionals.

Job titles in sales may include:

• Sales Representative
• Sales Specialist
• Account Executive
• Territory Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Key Account Manager
• Sales Consultant
• Inside Sales Representative
• Medical Sales Representative
• Sales Manager

Search the latest sales roles here.

Business Development

Business development professionals in the life science industry are focused on expanding the business by identifying new opportunities and markets. They analyse market trends, evaluate competitors, and identify potential strategic partnerships or acquisition targets. Business development managers develop growth strategies, negotiate contracts, and facilitate collaborations to drive revenue and market presence. They may also participate in industry conferences and trade shows to network and generate leads.

Job titles in business development may include:

• Business Development Manager
• Business Development Associate
• Strategic Partnerships Manager
• Market Entry Specialist
• New Business Development Executive
• Licensing and Alliance Manager
• International Business Development Manager
• Corporate Development Analyst
• Growth Specialist
• Innovation and Commercialisation Manager

Search the latest business development jobs here.

Account Management

Account managers are responsible for nurturing and maintaining existing client relationships. They act as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing their needs, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Account managers communicate with clients regularly, provide support, and answer any queries or concerns. They may also identify opportunities for upselling or cross-selling products or services to existing clients to increase revenue.

Job titles in Account Management may include:

• Account Manager
• Client Relationship Manager
• Key Account Executive
• Customer Success Manager
• Strategic Account Manager
• National Accounts Manager
• Client Services Manager
• Customer Relations Specialist
• Account Support Representative
• Client Engagement Associate

Search the latest jobs in account management here.

Commercial Management

Commercial managers oversee various commercial activities to achieve business objectives. They are responsible for developing and executing sales and marketing strategies, managing budgets and resources, and monitoring market trends and competition. Commercial managers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product development, to align business goals and drive revenue growth. They also analyse market data and customer insights to inform strategic decision-making.

Job titles in Commercial Management may include:

• Commercial Manager
• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Business Development Director
• Revenue Growth Manager
• Market Access Manager
• Commercial Operations Manager
• Product Launch Manager
• Commercial Excellence Director
• Market Intelligence Analyst
• Pricing and Reimbursement Strategist

Search the latest jobs in commercial management here.

Therapy Specialist

In the life science industry, therapy specialists focus on specific therapeutic areas of medical specialties. They have an in-depth understanding of products related to their area of specialisation and possess expertise in the corresponding medical field. Therapy specialists work closely with healthcare professionals such as physicians or surgeons to provide education, support, and training on the use of specific products or therapies. They communicate the value and benefits of their products in the given therapeutic area and may also conduct clinical presentations or workshops.

Job titles for Therapy Specialists may include:

• Oncology Specialist
• Dermatology Sales Representative
• Cardiovascular Therapy Specialist
• Respiratory Therapeutics Specialist
• Neurology Account Manager
• Surgical Devices Territory Representative
• Orthopaedics Sales Specialist
• Ophthalmology Therapy Consultant
• Gastroenterology Sales Executive
• Diabetes Care Specialist

Search the latest therapy specialist jobs here.

Product Management

Product managers play a crucial role in the development and management of product portfolios. They are responsible for understanding customer needs, conducting market research, and defining product requirements. Product managers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, regulatory affairs, and marketing, to drive product development and ensure products meet market demands. They oversee all stages of the product lifecycle, from ideation to launch, and may also be involved in pricing strategies and competitor analysis.

Job titles in Product Management may include:

• Product Manager
• Senior Product Marketing Manager
• Product Development Specialist
• Product Launch Coordinator
• Market Research Analyst
• Brand Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Product Strategy Consultant
• Sales Enablement Manager
• Market Insights Analyst

Search the latest product management jobs here.

Business Analytics

Business analysts in the life science industry leverage data to provide insights and support decision-making. They collect, analyse, and interpret data to inform strategies and actions. Business analysts may analyse market trends, evaluate sales performance, assess customer behaviour, and identify business opportunities. They help sales teams optimise strategies, improve sales effectiveness, and drive revenue growth by providing data-driven recommendations and actionable insights.

• Business Analyst
• Sales Operations Analyst
• Commercial Data Analyst
• Market Research Manager
• Pricing Analyst
• Customer Insights Specialist
• Sales Forecasting Analyst
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Market Access Analyst
• Data Scientist

Search the latest business analytics jobs here.

Find Your Next Sales/Commercial Role

Search all the latest Sales and Commercial roles within the life science industry here. Don’t forget to set up job alerts to hear about the latest roles as soon as they’re posted, and to upload your CV to help recruiters find YOU!