About
I am working with a cutting-edge, clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in oncology therapeutics, focused on developing breakthrough treatments for cancer patients. With a team of 80 highly skilled professionals, they are entering a critical phase where they seek to transition from clinical development to commercial operations. They are looking for a dynamic and experienced CEO to lead them through this pivotal stage, ensuring the product pipeline reaches the market and ultimately makes a transformative impact on patient care.
Position Overview
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction, operations, and growth as they advance their oncology product pipeline from late-stage clinical trials toward regulatory approval and commercial launch. The CEO will provide visionary leadership, guide the company’s corporate strategy, and ensure the successful commercialization of our innovative oncology therapies. As the leader of a small but rapidly growing biotech, the CEO must be both a visionary strategist and a hands-on operational executive.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of the company’s long-term strategy, positioning it for growth and value creation.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define strategic priorities and align the organization with key milestones.
- Drive innovation and maintain the company’s competitive edge in oncology therapeutics.
Operational and Financial Management
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring organizational efficiency, optimal resource allocation, and adherence to budgetary constraints.
- Manage financial performance, including fundraising, partnerships, and ensuring sufficient capital for ongoing R&D and commercialization efforts.
- Lead the transition from a clinical-stage to a commercial-stage organization, preparing for product launch, distribution, and market penetration.
Product Development & Commercialization
- Lead the strategy and execution for bringing oncology products from clinical trials to the market, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements (FDA and global).
- Oversee relationships with regulatory agencies and ensure successful regulatory approvals.
- Develop and implement go-to-market strategies, including partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, marketing, and sales channels.
Business Development & Fundraising
- Identify and pursue strategic business development opportunities, including partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.
- Secure capital from venture capitalists, private equity, or public markets to fund the company's growth and commercialization initiatives.
- Build relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, the scientific community, and healthcare organizations.
Team Leadership and Development
- Foster a high-performance culture within the company, promoting collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to senior management and key team members.
- Ensure the team is aligned with corporate goals and motivated to achieve major milestones.
External Representation & Advocacy
- Serve as the public face of the company, representing the organization at investor meetings, industry conferences, and other public forums.
- Advocate for the company’s vision and products within the oncology community and the broader biotech industry.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key opinion leaders, healthcare professionals, and industry experts.
Qualifications:
- Proven Leadership: 10+ years of experience in executive roles within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with a track record of leading companies through clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
- Oncology Expertise: Deep understanding of oncology drug development and commercialization, with experience taking oncology products through clinical trials and into the market.
- Fundraising Experience: Demonstrated success in raising capital from institutional investors, venture capital, or the public markets.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Experience with FDA and international regulatory bodies, including leading successful NDA/BLA submissions and approval processes.
- Strategic Vision: Ability to articulate a clear vision for the company's future and inspire confidence among stakeholders.
- Operational Excellence: Strong operational experience, including financial management, strategic planning, and leading high-performing teams.
- Business Acumen: Experience negotiating partnerships, licensing agreements, and alliances with pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Relations: Strong network within the biotech, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries, with experience managing investor relations and partnerships.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MBA, MD, or PhD in life sciences, business, or a related field.
- Experience in a private company environment is a plus.
- Experience in small to mid-sized biotech firms, with a demonstrated ability to scale operations.
Personal Attributes:
- Visionary, entrepreneurial, and results-driven with a passion for improving patient outcomes.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and lead at all levels.
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to navigate complex challenges in a rapidly changing environment.
Compensation:
- Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives, including equity.
