Life Science Executive Search
Leadership is the heart of progress. Appoint our expert Life Science Executive Search firm to headhunt, secure, and onboard your next executive hire.
The Life Science Headhunters that consistently deliver success
At AG Consulting, our life science headhunters specialize in securing exceptional executive talent for life science companies in the USA and Europe. Our deep industry expertise ensures that we understand the science behind your products, enabling us to identify and secure the right leaders to meet your goals. With a success rate of over 95%, we consistently deliver the executive talent needed to innovate and drive your business forward.
Leonardo Mirandola, CSO, Immunology Company, TX
Our approach to Executive Search for Life Sciences
Our comprehensive, consultative approach to life science executive search 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 life science 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 Life Science Executive Search Firms in the US & Europe?
AG Consulting stands out as a top life science executive search firm in the United States and Europe due to our deep industry expertise, consultative approach, and unmatched success in placing top-tier leadership talent. We don’t just find candidates; we find leaders who will drive your business and the life sciences industry forward. Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep Industry Expertise
We don’t just understand executive search; we understand life sciences. We are specialists with roots firmly within the sector, spanning across pharma, biotech, medtech, chemicals, and agriculture. This expertise allows us to truly grasp the scientific nuances of your products and align your hiring needs with candidates who possess not only the leadership skills but also the scientific acumen to drive your projects forward.
Extensive Network of Life Science Talent
Over the years, we’ve cultivated a vast network of executive talent within the life sciences industry, spanning coast to coast in the United States as well as across Europe. This network includes industry leaders and those with rare skill sets who can be difficult to reach and are not actively on the job market.
Proven Success Rate
Our proven track record of helping over 95% of our clients secure their preferred candidate speaks for itself. Our meticulous process ensures that we present candidates who are not only a fit for the role but are also aligned with your company’s vision and culture. This results in long-term placements that contribute significantly to your organization’s success.
Tailored, Consultative Approach
We believe that every executive search project is unique. That’s why we take a consultative approach, working closely with you to understand your specific challenges, timelines, and goals. This allows us to tailor our search strategy to meet your exact needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient hiring process.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
We are more than just headhunters; we are partners in your success. From the initial consultation to the onboarding of your new executive, we are with you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you build a leadership team that will drive your company’s growth and success in the competitive life sciences sector.
Empathy for Early-Stage Challenges
We understand the unique pressures faced by early-stage life sciences companies. Whether it’s working within tight budgets, adhering to strict timelines, or meeting investor expectations, we are empathetic to your challenges. Our mission is to help you overcome these hurdles by finding the right 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 hire a specialist Life Sciences Executive Search firm?
Hiring a specialist life sciences executive search firm, like AG Consulting, offers distinct advantages over generalist firms or internal recruitment teams. It ensures that you have the right expertise, networks, and understanding to secure top-tier executive talent, vital for advancing your scientific and business goals.
- Life Science Expertise: Life science-focused search firms have deep scientific knowledge, ensuring precise searches, unlike self-managed or generalist approaches that lack this understanding.
- Leadership Appointments: Life science specialist firms consistently secure senior talent, while self-managed processes are hit-or-miss, and generalist firms lack industry focus.
- Network: Life Science firms have strong industry connections. Self-managed efforts have limited networks, and generalist firms are spread too thin across sectors.
- Cost: Life science search firms are cost-efficient with a focused approach. Self-managed is cheaper upfront but resource-heavy, while generalists often incur higher costs.
- Approach: Life Science headhunters offer tailored solutions. Self-managed processes are resource-intensive, and generalist firms use generic methods.
- Outcome: Life Science 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 Life Science Search firm | Generalist search firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Science Expertise | Understands sector and products and niche skill sets well for shortlisting. | Deep understanding 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 and poor candidate engagement. |
| Leadership Appointments | Varying experience in appointing executive talent. May struggle to secure a preferred candidate. | Specialists in appointing senior leaders for C-suite and executive-level positions in life sciences businesses. | Experienced in hiring for senior leadership roles across broad and unrelated sectors. |
| Network | Limited network of industry leaders in similar businesses. May be unable to directly headhunt from competitors. | Extensive network of executive talent in life sciences, including access to talent working for direct competitors. | Very limited network within the life sciences industry. |
| Cost | Lower direct costs but can be resource-intensive. Poor hiring processes and decisions can have even greater costs. | Highly cost effective due to efficient, targeted headhunting process. | Costs may be higher due to lack of specialization leading to greater risk of a poor hiring decision. |
| 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 Life Science leader
Life Science Executive Search FAQs
What is life sciences executive search?
Life sciences executive search is a specialized recruitment service focused on identifying, attracting, and securing top-tier leadership talent within the life sciences industry. This includes companies in biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other related fields. The process is tailored to meet the specific needs of life sciences organizations, where finding leaders with the right blend of scientific knowledge and executive experience is crucial for success.
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 it cost to engage a life sciences executive search firm?
The cost of engaging a life sciences executive search firm can vary depending on the complexity of the search, the seniority of the role, and the specific needs of your organization. Generally, the fee is a percentage of the successful candidate’s first-year total compensation. This percentage typically ranges between 25% and 35%, depending on the firm and the scope of the search.
What is the fee structure for life sciences executive search?
The fee structure for life sciences executive search typically follows a retained search model. This involves an upfront fee to initiate the search, followed by milestone payments as the search progresses. The final payment is made upon the successful placement of the candidate. Some firms may offer a contingency model, where the fee is only paid if a candidate is successfully placed, but this is less common for executive-level searches.
Do I need an executive search firm for my life sciences company?
Engaging an executive search firm is highly beneficial for life sciences companies, especially when filling senior leadership roles. An executive search firm brings industry-specific expertise, a vast network of qualified candidates, and a rigorous vetting process. This ensures that you not only find a candidate with the right skills and experience but also one who aligns with your company’s culture and goals. Additionally, a search firm can save you time and resources, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
What happens if I don’t use a life sciences executive search firm?
Choosing not to use a life sciences executive search firm can lead to several challenges. Without industry-specific expertise, you may struggle to find candidates who not only have the necessary leadership skills but also understand the scientific and regulatory complexities of your business. This can result in longer hiring times, increased costs, and potentially hiring the wrong candidate, which can have significant negative impacts on your company’s growth and success. A specialized search firm mitigates these risks by providing targeted expertise, a rigorous selection process, and access to a vast network of qualified candidates.
What do I need before starting an executive search project?
Before starting an executive search project, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the role you need to fill, including the specific skills, experience, and attributes required. It’s also important to define your company’s vision, goals, and culture, as these factors will influence the search process. A timeline and budget should be established to ensure the search aligns with your business objectives. Partnering with a firm that understands the life sciences industry can help refine these elements to set the search up for success.
Why should I trust AG Consulting for my executive hire?
AG Consulting is a trusted partner in the life sciences industry, known for our deep expertise and a track record of success. With a 95% success rate in executive placements, we understand the unique challenges of the life sciences sector and have the networks and knowledge to find leaders who can drive your business forward. Our consultative approach ensures that we work closely with you to understand your specific needs, culture, and goals, leading to long-term successful placements.
What types of roles can you help me hire for?
AG Consulting specializes in placing senior leadership roles within the life sciences industry. This includes C-suite positions such as CEO, COO, CFO, and CSO, as well as other executive roles like Vice Presidents, General Managers, and Directors of various functions (e.g., R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Commercialization). We also have experience in finding specialized scientific leaders with the expertise needed to drive innovation and growth in life science companies.
What makes AG Consulting different from other search firms?
AG Consulting stands out due to our deep expertise in the life sciences sector. Unlike generalist search firms, we have an intimate understanding of the science behind your products, which enables us to identify candidates who are not only strong leaders but also possess the technical knowledge necessary to advance your business. Our 95% success rate in executive placements reflects our ability to match the right talent with your organization’s unique needs, driving long-term business success.
Do you offer support after the candidate is hired?
Absolutely. Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with the hiring process. We provide comprehensive onboarding support to ensure that your new executive integrates seamlessly into your organization. This includes helping them acclimate to your company’s culture and objectives, ensuring they are set up for success from day one. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible, so your new leader can start making an impact immediately.
What if I need to fill multiple executive positions?
AG Consulting has the capacity and expertise to scale our services according to your needs. Whether you require a single key hire or need to build an entire leadership team, we tailor our approach to ensure that each position is filled with the right leader. Our process is flexible and can be adjusted to meet the demands of filling multiple roles while maintaining the high standards and success rate that our clients expect.
