Axxam is a leading provider of integrated discovery services for the entire Life Sciences industries such as Pharmaceutical, Crop protection, Animal health, Cosmetics and Nutrition. We have world-class expertise across a broad range of discovery disciplines and innovative technologies including assay development, compound management, high throughput screening, hit identification and hit validation. Axxam is also engaged in developing strategic partnerships aimed at generating novel innovative therapies for diseases with high unmet medical need. An open and dynamic working environment ensures high-quality results from the teams of scientists and other professionals conducting all the experimental activities, supported by an industrialized organization.
Business Support Specialist:
In a CRO such as Axxam, the Business Support Specialist leads the end-to-end preparation of proposals, RFIs, RFPs, and other business development responses, in coordination with Scientific Proposal Owner and Legal Department. The goal is to create compliant and high-quality proposals that support revenue growth and win new projects. The Business Support Specialist plays a key enabling role by supporting commercial operations, client administration, and internal coordination. The position helps ensure that business activities are organized, accurate, and responsive to both client and internal needs.
Key responsibilities
Support business development teams with proposal administration, templates, trackers, and document preparation
Manage the full proposal lifecycle from request intake to submission, monitoring proposal timelines, responsibilities, review cycles, and signature workflow
Maintain CRM entries, opportunity data, and commercial records
Reviewing, editing, integrating proposals & contracts, combining the scientific research plan with legal assumptions, to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with internal guidelines and with Clients’ requirements
Overseeing the costing & pricing tool, checking consistency of the costs indicated by Operations and supporting business development teams for pricing
Tracking proposal turnaround, monitoring deadlines for proposals/contracts delivery to Client, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality submissions under tight deadlines
Managing documents and questionnaires (RFI) required by Client (on data security, quality, sustainability, company organization, etc.) recruiting and engaging the competent functions
Accreditation and managing documents update on e-procurement platforms and marketplace platforms
Identifying opportunities to enhance proposal and contract development process.
Core skills
Strong administrative and coordination skills
Good understanding of scientific or technical business environments
Accuracy in data handling and document control
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support stakeholders
Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced, international environment
Attention to detail and compliance mindset
Commercial thinking and customer orientation
Proficiency with MS Office and proposal management tools
Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple bids simultaneously
Fluent business English; additional languages are beneficial
Familiarity with CRO commercial processes is an advantage
Familiarity with CRM and costing & pricing tools is an advantage.
Typical background
Experience in back-office, business operations, sales support, or commercial administration
Experience in proposals and bid management
Exposure to life sciences, CRO, biotech, or pharma environments preferred
Bachelor’s degree is often preferred, though equivalent experience may be accepted.
Axxam is an equal opportunity employer
Axxam offers a stimulating work environment and a competitive salary. If your background and personal experience fit this profile, please send your complete application, including a brief description of your experience, your CV and a list of references to the address below or upload it at our on-line contact centre: http://www.axxam.com/careers/job-listing. Please, add to your CV the following statement: "I hereby grant permission to use my personal data in accordance with the Italian Leg. Dec. 196/2003".
Axxam S.p.A.
Openzone - via Meucci 3 - 20091 Bresso (Milano, Italy)Fax +39 02 2105602 – www.axxam.com
