Biotech Executive Search
Every breakthrough starts with a visionary leader. Our expert biotech headhunters connect you with top-tier executive talent who can drive your biotechnology company’s success.
The leading Biotech Executive Search firm with proven success
At AG Consulting, we focus on linking biotechnology companies across the United States & Europe with top-tier executive talent. Our extensive industry knowledge allows us to grasp the distinct challenges within the biotech sector, empowering us to find and secure the ideal leaders to fulfill your strategic objectives. As leading headhunters within biotech, we have achieved a success rate exceeding 95%, reliably providing the executive talent necessary to propel your scientific and growth initiatives forward, on schedule and within budget.
Leonardo Mirandola, CSO, Immunology Company, TX
Our process for Biotech Executive Search
Our comprehensive, consultative approach to leadership headhunting in biotech is designed to align with your specific needs and timelines, ensuring a seamless hiring process from start to finish.
Consultative approach
We begin with an in-depth consultation to fully understand your company’s vision, the role you need to fill, and the specific challenges you face. This allows us to build a precise candidate profile and create a compelling narrative to attract top talent.
Talent Pool Analysis
We conduct a comprehensive market map of the biotech talent landscape, identifying where top talent resides. This approach allows us to more effectively target candidates who align with your company’s specific needs.
Assessment & Decision Support
We support you throughout the assessment process, providing you with the information needed to make informed decisions. Our goal is to ensure that you not only secure the right candidate but do so at a competitive level of compensation.
Onboarding & Success Support
Our partnership doesn’t end with the hire. We assist in the onboarding process to ensure that your new executive integrates seamlessly and contributes to your company’s success from day one.
What puts AG Consulting among the best Biotech Headhunters in the USA & Europe?
AG Consulting is recognized as one of the best biotechnology executive search firms in the United States & Europe, thanks to our extensive industry expertise, consultative approach, and exceptional track record in placing top-tier leadership talent. Here’s what makes us different:
Deep Industry Expertise
We’re not a generalist executive search firm; we are biotech experts who truly grasp the science behind advanced technologies such as cell and gene therapies, bioprocessing and biochemicals. This expertise allows us to communicate your vision and align your needs with executive talent who possess not only the leadership skills but also the experience and rare skill sets to drive your projects forward.
Extensive Network of Top Biotech Talent
We’ve built a refined network of top-tier executive talent within the biotechnology sector, with a strong emphasis on leaders in biopharmaceuticals, such as cell and gene therapies, biologics, bioprocessing and biochemicals. This network allows us to headhunt the right people, even those who aren’t currently in the job market.
Proven Success Rate
Boasting a success rate exceeding 95%, our track record speaks for itself. Our thorough and detailed approach guarantees that the candidates we recommend not only meet the role’s requirements but also resonate with your company’s vision and culture. This approach leads to long-lasting placements that play a crucial role in the ongoing success of your organization.
Tailored, Consultative Approach
We understand that each search requirement is distinct. That’s why we adopt a consultative approach, partnering with you to gain a deep understanding of your specific challenges, timelines, and objectives. This collaboration enables us to customize our search strategy to precisely align with your needs, ensuring a seamless and effective hiring process.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
We see ourselves as more than just recruiters; we are dedicated partners in your success. From the very first consultation through to the onboarding of your new executive, we support you at every stage. Our priority is is to help you build a leadership team that will drive your company’s growth and success in the competitive biotech landscape.
Empathy for Biotech Challenges
We fully appreciate the pressures that early-stage biotech and life sciences companies experience. Whether it’s working with tight budgets, meeting critical deadlines, or aligning with investor expectations, we understand the challenges you face. Our mission is to support you through these hurdles by finding the leadership that can guide your company to the next level.
Johannes Kung, CSO, Biotech Company in IL
Case Studies
Solving a Biotech Team Build Challenge
One of our clients in Maryland was in the process of developing new Preclinical and CMC teams. The hiring manager had previously encountered challenges with recruiters, as the candidates presented were often unmotivated for the role, resulting in several offers being rejected or not fitting well technically or culturally.
AG Consulting successfully built the entire preclinical and CMC functions, placing several candidates in in vivo, in vitro, analytical, and process development positions.
Overcoming Competition to Hire GMP Experts
An immunology company based in Texas has consistently struggled to hire GMP manufacturing professionals due to the area’s dominance by CDMOs, which results in a lack of interest from candidates in joining a growing biotech company.
AG Consulting supported the hiring process by successfully placing a Manufacturing Scientist and a QC Analyst. Both candidates have since become valuable assets to the company.
Headhunt & Relocation of Principal Scientist
A small biotechnology company based in Alabama was seeking to hire a Principal Scientist with expertise in LNP formulation development. Despite extensive efforts, the company faced challenges in attracting suitable candidates due to its location.
AG Consulting successfully relocated a qualified candidate from Massachusetts to Alabama, filling the role within two weeks.
Why choose a specialist Biotech Executive Search firm?
When it comes to finding the right executive talent for your biotechnology company, partnering with a specialist firm like AG Consulting offers distinct advantages over generalist executive search firms or internal recruitment teams.
- Biotech Expertise: Biotech-focused search firms have deep scientific knowledge, ensuring precise searches, unlike self-managed or generalist approaches that lack this understanding.
- Leadership Appointments: Biotech-specialist firms consistently secure senior talent, while self-managed processes are hit-or-miss, and generalist firms lack industry focus.
- Network: Biotech firms have strong industry connections. Self-managed efforts have limited networks, and generalist firms spread too thin across sectors.
- Cost: Biotech search firms are cost-efficient with a focused approach. Self-managed is cheaper upfront but resource-heavy, while generalists often incur higher costs.
- Approach: Biotech firms offer tailored solutions. Self-managed processes are resource-intensive, and generalist firms use generic methods.
- Outcome: Biotech firms have a high success rate, unlike self-managed processes with variable results or generalist firms that often lack long-term fit.
| Measure | Self-managed process | Specialist Biotech Search firm | Generalist search firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotech Expertise | Good understanding of products and niche skills required for engaging and shortlisting. | Excellent grasp of the science behind your products leading to laser-focussed search and high candidate engagement. | Poor understanding of the science, leading to misalignment of requirements & low candidate engagement. |
| Leadership Appointments | Varying experience in appointing executive talent. May struggle to secure preferred candidate. | Highly experienced in appointing senior leaders for C-suite and executive-level positions in life sciences businesses. | Experienced in appointing senior leaders for C-suite and executive-level positions in other industries. |
| Network | Limited network of industry leaders in similar businesses. May be unable to directly headhunt from competitors. | Extensive network of executive talent in similar types of biotechs, and free to engage competitors. | Network of talent is spread across various unrelated sectors. |
| Cost | Lower direct costs but can be resource-intensive. Getting it wrong can be extremely costly. | Highly cost effective due to efficient, targeted headhunting process. | Costs may be higher due to lack of specialization. |
| Approach | DIY approach; requires internal expertise and time commitment. | Tailored, consultative service to understand and meet specific needs. | Standardized approach with less focus on industry nuances. |
| Outcome | Highly variable success dependent on internal processes. | High success rate in securing preferred candidates and supporting their smooth transition into the role. | Low success rate and less focus on long-term fit. |
DK, Principal Scientist, Immuno-Oncology Company, MD
Contact us
Contact us to find your next Biotech leader
Biotech Executive Search FAQs
What is biotech executive search?
Biotech executive search is a specialized recruitment process designed to identify and secure top-tier executives, such as Board Members, C-Suite, and VP-level talent, within the dynamic biotechnology industry. Unlike general executive search, our firm leverages deep industry expertise to match candidates with the unique scientific, regulatory, and business challenges faced by biotech organizations.
How long does the executive search process take?
The executive search process typically takes between 8 to 16 weeks but can take as long as 6 months depending on the complexity and seniority of the role and current market conditions. At AG Consulting, we prioritize quality over speed while maintaining a high success rate of over 95%, ensuring that the right leader is identified and onboarded efficiently.
How much does a biotech executive search firm cost?
The cost of biotech executive search is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the role, the seniority level of the candidate, and the specific needs of your organization. Generally, fees are calculated as a percentage of the successful candidate’s first-year total compensation, typically ranging from 25% to 35%.
What is the typical fee structure for biotech executive search?
Biotech executive search typically follows a retained search model, where a fee is paid upfront to initiate the search. Additional payments may be due at specific milestones throughout the process, with the final payment made upon successful candidate placement. While contingency models exist, they are less common for executive-level biotech searches.
Should my biotech company use an executive search firm?
Yes, engaging an executive search firm is highly beneficial for biotech companies, especially when filling senior leadership roles. Our firm offers industry-specific expertise, a vast network of qualified candidates, and a rigorous vetting process to ensure you find the right talent for your organization. This saves you time and resources, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
What happens if I don’t use a biotech executive search firm?
Attempting to fill critical leadership roles within the biotech industry without the specialized expertise of a dedicated search firm can lead to several challenges. These may include:
- Limited access to top-tier talent: Our extensive network and industry knowledge allow us to identify passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities.
- Increased time-to-hire: A specialized search firm can streamline the hiring process, saving you valuable time and resources.
- Higher risk of mismatched candidates: Our rigorous evaluation processes help ensure that we identify candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also align with your company’s culture and values.
- Increased costs: Hiring the wrong candidate can lead to costly turnover and disruptions to your business.
By partnering with a reputable biotech executive search firm, you can mitigate these risks and position your organization for long-term success.
What are the prerequisites for a successful executive search project?
Before starting an executive search project, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the role, including the required skills, experience, and attributes. Defining your company’s vision, goals, and culture is equally important. Setting a timeline and budget ensures the search aligns with your business objectives. Partnering with a firm that understands the biotech industry can help refine these elements for a successful search.
Why should I trust AG Consulting for my executive search?
AG Consulting is a trusted partner in the biotech industry with a 95% success rate in executive placements. Our deep expertise and extensive network allow us to find leaders who can drive your business forward. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs, culture, and goals, ensuring long-term successful placements.
What types of executive roles do you specialize in?
AG Consulting specializes in placing senior leadership roles within the biotechnology sector, including C-suite positions like CEO, COO, CFO, and CSO. We also place other executive roles such as Vice Presidents, General Managers, and Directors in functions like R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial Operations. Our expertise extends to finding specialized scientific leaders to drive innovation and growth in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
What sets AG Consulting apart from other executive search firms?
AG Consulting specializes in the biotechnology sector, particularly biopharmaceuticals, biochemicals, and bioprocessing. Our deep industry expertise allows us to identify candidates with both strong leadership skills and technical knowledge. With a 95% success rate, we consistently match the right talent with our clients’ unique needs, driving long-term business success.
Do you provide post-placement support?
Yes, we offer comprehensive onboarding support to ensure your new executive integrates seamlessly into your organization. This includes helping them acclimate to your company’s culture and objectives, ensuring a smooth transition and immediate impact.
Can you handle multiple executive searches simultaneously?
Yes, we can handle multiple executive searches simultaneously. Our approach is tailored to ensure each position is filled with the right leader, while maintaining our high standards and success rate.
