Role Overview for Chief Commercial Officer with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, well-funded biopharmaceutical start-up based in the heart of innovation, Cambridge, MA. Our client is at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs. With a robust pipeline and a commitment to scientific excellence, they are poised for significant growth and impact.
We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to build a world-class commercial organization from the ground up and shape the future of a company dedicated to transforming patient lives.
The Chief Commercial Officer will be a cornerstone of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing the comprehensive global commercial strategy for the company’s portfolio. The CCO will provide the strategic vision, leadership, and operational expertise necessary to ensure the successful launch and commercialization of its lead assets.
This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit, a deep understanding of the biopharma landscape, and a proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment. The ideal candidate is a strategic architect and a hands-on leader who can translate scientific innovation into commercial success, ultimately ensuring that groundbreaking therapies reach the patients who need them most. You will be instrumental in defining the company’s commercial identity, building its market presence, and driving sustainable revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Commercial Officer with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
The CCO’s responsibilities are broad and strategic, encompassing all facets of commercialization. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to build and lead a high-performing organization and achieve ambitious commercial milestones.
Global Commercial Strategy Development
Architect and implement a comprehensive, long-range global commercial strategy that aligns with the company’s corporate objectives. This includes market analysis, product positioning, lifecycle management, and geographic expansion plans.
Leadership and Team Building
Recruit, develop, and lead a best-in-class commercial organization. This includes building out functions such as Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Commercial Operations, and Patient Advocacy. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Product Launch Excellence
Spearhead all pre-launch, launch, and post-launch commercial activities. Develop and execute flawless launch plans that maximize market penetration, patient access, and revenue uptake for the company’s lead assets.
Marketing and Brand Management
Oversee the creation and execution of global brand strategies. Direct the development of compelling messaging, promotional materials, and multi-channel marketing campaigns targeted at healthcare professionals, payers, and patients.
Market Access, Pricing, and Reimbursement
Develop and execute sophisticated strategies to secure optimal pricing, reimbursement, and market access. Build strong relationships with payers, health systems, and policy makers. Lead the development of the product’s value proposition supported by robust health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) data.
Sales Force Strategy and Execution
Design, build, and scale a highly effective sales organization. Establish sales targets, incentive compensation plans, and performance metrics to drive exceptional results. Ensure the sales team is expertly trained on the science and clinical data.
Commercial Operations and Analytics
Establish the infrastructure for commercial operations, including forecasting, data analytics, CRM systems, and supply chain management. Utilize data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and optimize commercial performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall corporate strategy. Collaborate seamlessly with R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and Finance to ensure alignment and successful execution of company goals. Provide commercial input into clinical trial design and pipeline development.
Stakeholder Engagement
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), patient advocacy groups, professional societies, and other external stakeholders to build product and company champions.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the commercial budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve strategic objectives. Provide accurate forecasting and contribute to investor relations and corporate financing activities.
Requirements for the Chief Commercial Officer with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of commercial success in the biopharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MBA, PhD, PharmD) is highly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or a related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive commercial experience within the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Must have significant experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, SVP, or CCO) with P&L responsibility.
Launch Experience
A proven track record of successfully leading multiple product launches, preferably in specialty markets such as oncology, rare diseases, or immunology. Experience launching a first-in-class product is highly desirable.
Start-up Acumen
Prior experience in a start-up or small, rapidly growing biotech company is essential. The candidate must be comfortable with ambiguity and possess the ability to build functions and processes from the ground up.
Market Access Expertise
Deep knowledge of the global payer and reimbursement landscape, particularly in the US and EU. Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategies to overcome market access hurdles.
Strategic Leadership
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex issues, synthesize data into actionable insights, and make sound business decisions.
Leadership and Influence
A dynamic and inspirational leader with a proven ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent. Must possess executive presence and be able to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors.
Regulatory and Clinical Knowledge
Strong understanding of the entire drug development lifecycle, including the intricacies of the FDA approval process and its commercial implications. Ability to partner effectively with clinical and regulatory counterparts.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and the significance of the role.
Significant Equity Ownership
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant financial reward tied to the company’s success.
Annual Bonus
A performance-based annual bonus program tied to individual and corporate goal achievement.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and executive coaching.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. We specialize in connecting visionary leaders with transformative companies in the life sciences sector. If you are a driven, entrepreneurial commercial leader ready to build an organization and change the course of medicine, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your vision for this opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences executive search practice. We look forward to reviewing your application.
