Roles & Responsibilities:Develop & Execute Targeted Search Strategies- Partner with Client Partners and Recruiters to define search objectives and develop targeted executive search strategies for retained search engagements.
- Design and execute research strategies that identify executive talent, competitive talent pools, and target organizations aligned with client objectives.
- Apply advanced research methodologies and creative sourcing techniques to identify and engage passive executive talent with minimal oversight.
- Leverage expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry to advise search teams on market dynamics, talent availability, and competitive landscapes.
Provide Advanced Market Research & Analysis- Conduct in-depth market, competitive, and organizational research to support executive search engagements and new business opportunities.
- Develop comprehensive market maps, organizational charts, succession pipelines, and executive talent landscapes.
- Monitor industry trends, company growth, financing activity, acquisitions, leadership changes, and emerging therapeutic areas to inform search strategy.
- Synthesize complex information into actionable insights and recommendations for Client Partners and Recruiters.
Identify & Assess Executive Talent - Identify, evaluate, and prioritize executive leaders using advanced research methodologies, industry networks, and executive search technologies.
- Develop diverse, high-quality candidate slates aligned with client objectives.
- Assess executive talent based on functional expertise, leadership experience, organizational fit, and career progression.
- Build and maintain relationships with executives to develop long-term market intelligence and talent networks.
Manage Internal Client Relationships - Serve as a trusted research advisor to Client Partners and Recruiters throughout each engagement.
- Proactively communicate market intelligence, search progress, and candidate insights.
- Recommend strategic adjustments to search strategy based on market findings.
- Escalate search challenges appropriately while maintaining exceptional internal client service.
Serve as a Biopharma Market Expert - Demonstrate expertise across the biopharmaceutical value chain, including: Discovery Research, Translational Medicine, Preclinical Development, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Biometrics, Technical Operations & Manufacturing, Quality & Compliance, Commercial, Market Access, and Corporate Leadership.
- Advise search teams on organizational structures, reporting relationships, executive succession trends, and leadership talent across the drug development lifecycle.
- Continuously build knowledge of emerging technologies, therapeutic modalities, and the evolving biopharmaceutical marketplace.
Coordinate Search Execution & Documentation- Prepare executive candidate profiles, position specifications, market intelligence reports, organizational analyses, and client presentations.
- Coordinate research deliverables, interviews, client meetings, and project milestones to ensure timely execution.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation within Thrive in accordance with firm standards.
Maintain Research Excellence & Data Integrity - Ensure the accuracy of candidate information, market intelligence, organizational research, compensation data, and executive movement within internal systems.
- Promote best practices in research methodology, documentation, and data quality.
- Contribute to the firm's knowledge base by capturing market intelligence and search insights.
Contribute to Business Development & Resource Development- Support business development by developing market maps, talent intelligence, competitive analyses, and search examples for proposals and client pursuits.
- Identify emerging companies, executive talent, and market trends that create opportunities for new client engagements.
- Mentor Research Associates and junior team members, sharing expertise in executive search research, market intelligence, and project execution.
Requirements
Competencies: Executive Search Strategy - Develops and executes sophisticated research strategies that support retained executive search engagements and influence client outcomes.
Biopharmaceutical Industry Expertise - Demonstrates deep knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry, organizational structures, therapeutic areas, and executive leadership across the drug development lifecycle from Discovery through Commercialization.
Market Intelligence & Talent Mapping - Produces actionable market intelligence, competitive analyses, executive talent maps, and organizational insights that strengthen search strategy and business development
Executive Talent Assessment - Evaluates executive leaders through analysis of leadership capabilities, functional expertise, career progression, organizational impact, and cultural alignment.
Strategic Partnership - Serves as a trusted advisor to Client Partners and Recruiters by providing informed recommendations, challenging assumptions when appropriate, and contributing strategic market perspectives.
Project Leadership - Independently manages multiple executive search engagements while ensuring exceptional quality, responsiveness, organization, and attention to detail.
Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship - Coaches and develops junior researchers while contributing to practice knowledge, research methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience:- Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting research within a retained executive search, executive recruiting, or specialized life sciences search environment. Ability to manage multiple executive search engagements in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
- Demonstrated expertise using advanced and creative research methodologies to identify passive executive talent and develop executive talent landscapes.
- Strong knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry, including executive leadership functions spanning Discovery Research through Commercialization.
- Ability to synthesize complex market information into strategic recommendations that influence search execution and client decision-making. Excellent analytical, writing, presentation, and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced education in life sciences, business, or a related discipline preferred.
- Advanced proficiency with executive research platforms, LinkedIn Recruiter, Microsoft Office Suite, and executive search databases.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a healthy 401(k) match, excellent health, vision, and dental benefits, and flexible working options.
