Senn Chemicals
Head of Sales & Business Development (m/f/d) - 100%
About Senn Chemicals: Proud of our legacy. Inspired by the future. ?
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Dielsdorf (Zurich, Switzerland), Senn Chemicals AG has been a trusted name in peptide chemistry for over six decades. A pioneer in Liquid-Phase (LPPS), Solid-Phase (SPPS), and Hybrid peptide synthesis, Senn has built a strong global reputation for precision, reliability, and scientific excellence.
As a Swiss-based developer and manufacturer of amino acid derivatives and peptides, Senn supports leading partners across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and theragnostic industries. The company operates under a robust ISO 9001:2015 quality system and holds Swissmedic GMP authorization for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
What's New - The Senn Ascelis Synergy. ?
Senn Chemicals is now part of Ascelis Peptides, a newly established subsidiary of Granules India Limited - one of the world's leading vertically integrated pharmaceutical companies.
This partnership brings together Senn's Swiss craftsmanship and R&D excellence complemented by scale, efficiency, and agility of our India operations. Together, Senn, as a part of Ascelis form a two-continent peptide platform, connecting Zurich's scientific precision with Hyderabad's emerging large-scale manufacturing and analytical infrastructure.
This combination opens new horizons for Senn's European operations - expanding from development and niche peptide manufacturing to broader commercialization, market reach, and customer engagement under the unified Ascelis global network.
Your Responsibilities
To accelerate our next phase of growth, we are seeking a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Head of Sales & Business Development (m/f/d) 100%.
In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for shaping and executing Senn's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and leading customer engagement across Europe. You will manage key accounts, achieve annual sales objectives, and ensure sustained business growth. Representing the combined Senn-Ascelis value proposition, you will drive new business development in peptides and amino acid derivatives, strengthen Senn's positioning as a trusted CDMO partner to global innovators, and cultivate long-term strategic relationships across both established and emerging market segments.
- Lead and develop the European Sales & BD function (people and strategy)
- Define and execute the regional commercial plan and annual sales targets
- Drive customer acquisition and strengthen the opportunity pipeline
- Identify and evaluate new market segments and key accounts
- Position Senn-Ascelis capabilities effectively in CDMO space across peptides and AADs
- Develop and implement marketing campaigns and customer engagement initiatives
- Lead pricing, contract negotiation, and proposal development processes
- Gather market intelligence, competitor benchmarking, and customer insights
- Represent the company at key industry events and trade fairs (approx. 30-40% travel)
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Project Management, and Operations to ensure technical and commercial alignment and delivery of customers projects/products
- PhD, PharmD, or master's degree in chemistry, Life Sciences, or related field
- Business qualification (MBA, B.A., or equivalent) preferred
- Proven experience in Sales, Business Development, or Marketing within the pharma, biotech, or chemical industries
- Strong record of B2B sales success and market expansion across Europe
- Solid experience in commercial negotiation and customer relationship management
- Expertise in peptides, amino acid derivatives, or fine chemicals is a strong asset
- Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on execution
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills; comfortable engaging at C-suite level
- Fluent in German and English (French is a plus)
- Key leadership role in a fast-growing Life Science environment
- High strategic influence and visibility within the organization
- International and collaborative workplace with flat hierarchy's
- Attractive employment conditions including:
- Competitive pension plan and employee benefits
- 5 additional vacation days per year
- Fringe Benefits and Employer Contributions
- Walking distance to shops, restaurants, sports facilities, and public transport
We look forward to receiving your complete application documents (cover letter, CV incl. photo, references, diplomas, etc.).
Please submit your application exclusively via our online application tool. Applications submitted by e-mail cannot be considered — thank you for your understanding.
Direct applications only.