Role Overview for Chief Commercial Strategy Officer with an Ophthalmology Biotech – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, clinical-stage ophthalmology biotechnology company based in the vibrant Research Triangle Park area of Raleigh, NC. Our client is at the forefront of developing transformative therapies for severe and underserved ophthalmic diseases. With a robust pipeline and a commitment to scientific excellence, they are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of patients suffering from vision loss. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Commercial Strategy Officer (CCSO) to join their executive leadership team.
This is a pivotal, career-defining opportunity for a seasoned commercial leader to build and shape the entire commercial organization from the ground up. The CCSO will be the architect of the company’s global commercial strategy, responsible for translating groundbreaking science into market success. You will have the autonomy and resources to develop the strategic roadmap for pre-launch, launch, and lifecycle management of the company’s lead assets. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be a key voice in corporate strategy, investor relations, and business development, playing an instrumental role in the company’s trajectory from a clinical-stage entity to a fully integrated, commercial-stage powerhouse.
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial leader with a deep understanding of the ophthalmology market, a proven track record of launching successful specialty therapeutics, and the passion to build a world-class commercial function. You will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possess the strategic foresight to navigate the complex global healthcare landscape. This role requires a unique blend of scientific acumen, commercial savvy, and inspirational leadership to guide the company through its next phase of exponential growth and ultimately deliver life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Commercial Strategy Officer with an Ophthalmology Biotech – Raleigh, NC
The Chief Commercial Strategy Officer will assume broad responsibility for all commercial aspects of the organization. Your primary mandate is to develop and execute a comprehensive global strategy that maximizes the value of the company’s portfolio.
Global Commercial Vision and Strategy Development
- Architect and implement a long-range global commercial strategy that aligns with corporate objectives, ensuring the company is prepared for successful product launches and sustained growth.
- Conduct comprehensive market analysis, landscape assessments, and competitive intelligence to identify key trends, opportunities, and potential threats in the ophthalmology space.
- Develop robust forecasting models, market assessments, and target product profiles (TPPs) for pipeline assets to inform clinical development and corporate strategy.
- Lead the strategic planning process for the commercial organization, establishing clear goals, metrics, and budgets to drive performance and accountability.
Product Launch and Lifecycle Excellence
- Lead all pre-launch and launch planning activities for the company’s lead assets, creating and executing best-in-class go-to-market strategies on a global scale.
- Establish and oversee cross-functional launch teams, ensuring seamless coordination between Commercial, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Manufacturing.
- Develop and refine the product value proposition, branding, and strategic messaging to resonate with key stakeholders, including physicians, payers, and patients.
- Oversee post-launch performance, implementing lifecycle management strategies to optimize market penetration, profitability, and long-term brand value.
Marketing, Sales, and Market Access Leadership
- Recruit, build, and lead a high-performing commercial organization, including Marketing, Sales, Market Access, and Commercial Operations functions.
- Develop innovative marketing campaigns and promotional programs that effectively communicate the clinical and economic benefits of the company’s therapies.
- Craft and execute a comprehensive market access and reimbursement strategy to ensure broad patient access and favorable formulary positioning with global payers.
- Establish strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), patient advocacy groups, and professional societies to build brand advocacy and gather critical market insights.
- Oversee the development of sales force strategy, including sizing, structure, targeting, and incentive compensation, to maximize commercial impact.
Corporate Strategy and Business Development
- Serve as a critical member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall corporate strategy, long-range planning, and capital allocation decisions.
- Partner with the CEO and CFO in investor relations activities, effectively communicating the company’s commercial vision and value proposition to the financial community.
- Collaborate with the business development team to identify, evaluate, and execute strategic partnerships, in-licensing opportunities, and potential M&A activities to enhance the product portfolio and commercial capabilities.
- Provide commercial insights and due diligence for pipeline expansion and external innovation opportunities.
Requirements for the Chief Commercial Strategy Officer with an Ophthalmology Biotech – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in biopharmaceutical commercialization, possessing the strategic depth and operational expertise to excel in this executive role.
Educational Background
- An advanced degree (MBA, PhD, MD, or PharmD) is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or a related field is required.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a significant portion of that time in commercial roles (Marketing, Sales, Market Access).
- Direct and extensive experience in the ophthalmology therapeutic area is mandatory. Familiarity with retinal diseases, glaucoma, or rare ocular conditions is highly desirable.
- A proven and verifiable track record of successfully leading the launch of one or more specialty pharmaceutical or biologic products, ideally in the U.S. and E.U. markets.
- Experience building commercial functions from an early stage is a significant advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in developing global commercial strategies, including pricing, reimbursement, and market access.
Leadership and Strategic Skills
- Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop clear, actionable commercial plans.
- Proven ability to recruit, lead, and motivate high-performing, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors, investors, partners, and employees.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets and P&L responsibilities.
- A deep understanding of the global healthcare ecosystem, including regulatory processes, compliance standards, and the evolving payer landscape. Staying current on the latest advancements in ophthalmic therapies and market dynamics is essential.
Personal Attributes
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a high sense of urgency and a results-oriented approach.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and a commitment to patient-centricity.
- Strong collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively across a matrixed organization.
- Resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to lead through ambiguity and change.
- 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:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options/RSUs) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support your well-being.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Raleigh, NC area.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your ongoing professional development with opportunities for executive coaching, conference attendance, and continuing education.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to be a foundational leader in a company dedicated to preserving and restoring sight, making a tangible difference in the lives of patients with debilitating eye diseases.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary commercial leader with the experience and passion to drive the success of a leading-edge ophthalmology biotech, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our executive search team for an initial discussion.
JRG Partners is a leader in retained executive search for the life sciences industry. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, please visit our Life Sciences Executive Search practice page.
