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Pharma Business Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Identify, prospect and close new business opportunities in biotech, pharma, academic and government ... At least 1 year of sales experience for Contract Development and/or Contract manufacturing ...

Business Development Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Identify, prospect and close new business opportunities in biotech, pharma, academic and government ... At least 1 year of sales experience for Contract Development and/or Contract manufacturing ...

Business Development Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Identify, prospect and close new business opportunities in biotech, pharma, academic and government ... At least 1 year of sales experience for Contract Development and/or Contract manufacturing ...

Business Development Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Identify, prospect and close new business opportunities in biotech, pharma, academic and government ... At least 1 year of sales experience for Contract Development and/or Contract manufacturing ...

Business Development Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Identify, prospect and close new business opportunities in biotech, pharma, academic and government ... At least 1 year of sales experience for Contract Development and/or Contract manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pharma Business Development information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$54.3K

$90.3K

How much do pharma business development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharma business development in California is $54,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Pharma Business Development?

Pharma Business Development refers to the strategic activities within the pharmaceutical industry aimed at growing a company's business. This includes identifying and negotiating partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and collaborations with other companies or organizations. Professionals in this field analyze market trends, assess potential opportunities, and build relationships to expand a company's product portfolio or market presence. Their work is essential for driving innovation and ensuring long-term success in a highly competitive industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pharma Business Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pharma Business Development, you need a solid background in life sciences or business, strong market analysis skills, and experience in sales or partnership negotiations, often supported by a relevant degree such as pharmacy, biology, or an MBA. Familiarity with CRM software, pharmaceutical regulations, and data analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, building successful partnerships, and driving revenue in the competitive pharmaceutical industry.

What are some common challenges faced in Pharma Business Development, and how can professionals overcome them?

Professionals in Pharma Business Development often face challenges such as managing complex partnership negotiations, navigating regulatory landscapes, and keeping up with rapid scientific advancements. To overcome these, it's important to cultivate strong communication and relationship-building skills, stay informed about industry trends, and collaborate closely with legal and regulatory teams. Regularly attending industry conferences and building a network of trusted contacts can also help identify new opportunities and mitigate potential obstacles.

What is the difference between Pharma Business Development vs Pharma Sales Representative?

AspectPharma Business DevelopmentPharma Sales Representative
Primary FocusIdentifying new business opportunities, partnerships, and market expansionPromoting and selling pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers
Required SkillsStrategic planning, negotiation, market analysisProduct knowledge, communication, customer relationship management
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, meetings with partners, market researchHospitals, clinics, direct client interactions
Common CertificationsPharmaceutical or business-related certifications often preferredSales certifications, pharmaceutical training

While both roles operate within the pharmaceutical industry, Pharma Business Development focuses on strategic growth and partnerships, whereas Pharma Sales Representatives concentrate on product promotion and sales to healthcare providers. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the industry.

What does business development do in pharma?

In pharma, business development involves identifying and pursuing new market opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's product portfolio. Professionals in this role analyze market trends, negotiate deals, and support licensing or acquisition activities to drive growth and revenue.

What are popular job titles related to Pharma Business Development jobs in California?

For Pharma Business Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharma Business Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharma Business Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pharma Business Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharma Business Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Pharma Business Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,279 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Business Development Senior Manager

Amgen

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Career CategoryBusiness DevelopmentJob DescriptionJoin Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Business Development Senior Manager

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. The mission of Amgen's External Research and Development (ER&D) group within Business Development is to maximize Amgen's ability to deliver life changing therapies through rigorous identification and assessment of external innovation. Amgen is currently searching for a highly strategic and scientifically curious person to join our External R&D group as Senior Manager to support the Oncology therapeutic area.

In this vital role you will actively support Amgen's growing pipeline and strategic goals by identifying and assessing opportunities from all external sources, including universities, venture/investment firms, small start-up companies, and other large pharma. The Senior Manager is responsible for the global search efforts to support the Therapeutic Area's strategic objectives, as well as managing the technical due diligence to ensure a thorough understanding of the potential and the risks of each opportunity. For opportunities of high interest, this person will partner with a Transaction lead to execute agreements that enhance the value of the opportunity, including venture investments, licensing, collaborations, and acquisitions. This is an attractive opportunity for someone with sound scientific knowledge and drug development experience who enjoys a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, and a highly visible role that offers a chance to make significant contributions towards Amgen's goals and improve patient care.

Responsibilities:

  • Identify, prioritize, and evaluate innovative therapeutic opportunities from early preclinical through clinical and commercial stage

  • Support and lead strategic discussions and presentations, collaborating closely with senior management, R&D, and Commercial to develop a set of priorities for licensure or M&A.

  • Proactively source opportunities via internal and external networking, attending scientific sessions, monitoring of pipelines, news, and other sources such as KOLs, VCs, and industry leaders

  • Partner with product teams to evaluate potential clinical collaborations with our oncology therapeutics

  • Guide and manage evaluations with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Commercial, CMC/manufacturing, Legal, IP, and others

  • Provide recommendations and guidance, and ensure robust and efficient decision-making processes

  • Work closely with other Business Development functions to ensure appropriate deal structures and valuations are achieved

  • Ensure thorough record keeping

  • Reach out externally and internally to share Amgen's Business Development vision

  • This role requires strong collaboration, organization, scientific, and strategic skills, as well as the ability to prepare and present clear communications for senior management

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Business Development professional we seek is a Senior Manager with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree and 2 years of Drug development industry and/or consulting and/or Business Development and/or competitive intelligence experience

OR

Master's degree and 4 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

Bachelor's degree and 6 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

Associate's degree and 10 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

High school diploma / GED and 12 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in scientific discipline, with robust working knowledge in oncology

  • 3+ years of experience in biotech/pharma business development and/or drug development and/or consulting and/or competitive intelligence

  • Strong scientific, organizational, communication, and project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a record of key accomplishments

  • Effective communication skills, and ability to present to a wide range of audience, including senior executives

  • The ability to foresee and solve problems, and prioritize and meet deadlines

  • Strong team player

  • Ability to interface effectively with all-levels of experts across differing functional expertise within the organization, including Commercial, Legal, CMC, and Finance.

  • Demonstrated ability to create and build relationships with internal and external parties.

  • Professional demeanor with strong decision-making skills and ability to work calmly in a high intensity and dynamic environment

  • The ability to work independently as well as coordinate and guide large cross functional teams

What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Salary Range

147,832.00USD -200,008.00USD