Finding a CDMO's first U.S. sales leader
A European CDMO needed a senior sales leader who would build its U.S. strategy and personally win clients. We mapped similar-sized companies to find its first U.S.-based hire.
Read the Boston case studyPharmaceutical Sales Recruiters
Hire pharmaceutical sales people who can open the right doors. We recruit representatives, account leaders and commercial heads with the market experience your product or service needs—from an established territory to your first U.S. sales hire.
I'm looking to hire
Roles we recruit
A strong sales record only tells part of the story. We start with your customers, buying process, territory and growth plans, then look for people who have sold into a comparable market. For CDMOs and other service businesses, we distinguish a hands-on business developer from someone whose recent work has been managing a large team.
- Pharmaceutical sales representatives
- Territory and regional sales managers
- Key account managers
- Business development directors
- Heads of sales and commercial leaders
How a search works
- 1
Intake
Agree on the responsibilities, essential experience and hiring priorities.
- 2
Sharpen the pitch
Define the role and the reasons a candidate would move.
- 3
Work the network
Map relevant teams and approach candidates directly.
- 4
Shortlist to start date
Support interviews, references and the offer through to the hire.
A related search
Plan your offer with the market in mind
Annual salary figures from our 2026 guide. Choose a city to see the roles covered for this function.
Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals
Boston · 2026 guide
- Low
- $94,000
- Median
- $156,000
- High
- $202,000
Published annual salary figures; individual offers depend on the role, experience and compensation package. These titles represent different responsibilities and levels.
Compare all 34 cities
| City | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $63,000 | $105,000 | $137,000 |
| Austin | $67,000 | $111,000 | $145,000 |
| Baltimore | $69,000 | $113,000 | $148,000 |
| Boston | $94,000 | $156,000 | $202,000 |
| Cambridge | $94,000 | $156,000 | $202,000 |
| Chicago | $69,000 | $114,000 | $149,000 |
| Cincinnati | $57,000 | $95,000 | $124,000 |
| Columbus | $58,000 | $98,000 | $127,000 |
| Dallas | $66,000 | $109,000 | $141,000 |
| Denver | $73,000 | $122,000 | $158,000 |
| Fargo | $63,000 | $105,000 | $136,000 |
| Fort Worth | $61,000 | $103,000 | $134,000 |
| Houston | $57,000 | $96,000 | $125,000 |
| Indianapolis | $60,000 | $101,000 | $131,000 |
| Irvine | $85,000 | $142,000 | $186,000 |
| Jacksonville | $61,000 | $102,000 | $132,000 |
| Los Angeles | $88,000 | $147,000 | $190,000 |
| Miami | $71,000 | $118,000 | $153,000 |
| Milwaukee | $61,000 | $102,000 | $133,000 |
| Minneapolis | $70,000 | $115,000 | $150,000 |
| New Haven | $73,000 | $122,000 | $158,000 |
| New York | $108,000 | $180,000 | $234,000 |
| Orlando | $63,000 | $106,000 | $137,000 |
| Philadelphia | $70,000 | $116,000 | $151,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $59,000 | $99,000 | $128,000 |
| Raleigh | $66,000 | $109,000 | $142,000 |
| Rochester | $68,000 | $112,000 | $147,000 |
| Salt Lake City | $66,000 | $109,000 | $141,000 |
| San Antonio | $56,000 | $94,000 | $122,000 |
| San Diego | $92,000 | $153,000 | $199,000 |
| San Francisco | $113,000 | $189,000 | $246,000 |
| San Jose | $108,000 | $181,000 | $235,000 |
| Seattle | $83,000 | $139,000 | $181,000 |
| Syracuse | $63,000 | $105,000 | $136,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What to know before starting a search.
What pharmaceutical sales roles do you recruit?
We recruit individual sales representatives, territory and regional managers, account leaders, business development directors and senior commercial leaders. Tell us what you sell and who buys it so we can define the relevant experience.
Can you recruit a first U.S. sales hire?
Yes. Our Boston CDMO search involved a European company’s first U.S.-based hire. The person needed to build the strategy and win clients directly, without inheriting a local sales team.
How do you assess sales experience?
We look beyond titles and ask about the candidate’s customers, territory, products or services, sales cycle and personal contribution. We discuss those requirements with the hiring manager before approaching candidates.
How long does a search take?
Timing depends on the role, market and interview process. The CDMO search took two months to shortlist and four months to hire. We agree on the search priorities at intake and keep the hiring team informed as the market responds.
Tell us about the role
Share your hiring priorities. One of our recruiters will get back to you.
How our recruiting process works
