Case Study

Head of Project & Portfolio Management

Icon of a clipboard with four horizontal lines representing a list or document, and a pencil pointing at the clipboard, indicating editing or writing.

THE ASSIGNMENT.

Our client was a clinical-stage company developing first-in-class biologics engineered as precise targeted immunotherapies. We were asked by the CSO to recruit the first Project, Portfolio & Alliance Management Leader for the organization.

Illustration of a stopwatch with a magnifying glass.

THE CHALLENGE.

At the time we kicked off the retained search, the company was in stealth mode with limited public information. Their parent company and research presence remained outside the US which demanded constant contact and communication with team members nearly 8,000 miles away. This was not your standard Project and Alliance Management role - we were seeking broad experience across Portfolio, Program, Project, and Alliance Management but with a strong scientific pedigree and strategic background. The position reported into the CSO alongside a first time CEO with limited industry experience. They were looking for an incredibly well-rounded person who also needed to roll up their sleeves in a leaner, less-resourced biotech environment. More specifically, there was also a strong preference for a candidate with a strong scientific background in large molecules.

Icon of a dartboard with an arrow hitting the bullseye.

THE OUTCOME.

We successfully placed a VP of Program and Portfolio Management who worked in a very similar antibody-based therapeutic environment in their current role. The candidate transitioned from a Program Leader (Director) to VP level.