Role Overview for VP, Commercial Operations with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed biopharmaceutical start-up based in the heart of innovation, Cambridge, MA. Our client is at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics for rare and life-threatening diseases, with a robust pipeline poised to make a significant impact on patient lives. We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented Vice President, Commercial Operations to join their dynamic executive leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to build the commercial infrastructure from the ground up and shape the company’s trajectory from clinical development to market leader.
As the VP, Commercial Operations, you will be the architect of the company’s commercial success. You will be responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive commercial strategy, ensuring operational readiness for the company’s first product launch and subsequent pipeline assets. This role requires a strategic leader who is equally comfortable with high-level planning and hands-on execution. You will build and lead a world-class team, establishing the systems, processes, and analytics necessary to drive sales, marketing, and market access excellence.
Your leadership will be critical in translating groundbreaking science into commercially successful therapies that reach the patients who need them most. You will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and work in close collaboration with leaders across R&D, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Finance to ensure seamless integration and organizational alignment.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Commercial Operations with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
The VP, Commercial Operations will have a broad and impactful remit, encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and team leadership. Key responsibilities include:
Commercial Strategy & Launch Excellence
- Develop and implement the overarching commercial operations strategy to support the company’s portfolio, with an initial focus on a successful first product launch.
- Lead the integrated launch planning process, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure all commercial workstreams are synchronized and executed flawlessly.
- Establish and manage the commercial operating model, including sales force effectiveness (SFE), marketing operations, market access operations, and patient services.
- Partner with the CCO to develop forecasting models, pricing strategies, and market access initiatives that optimize product uptake and revenue.
Sales & Marketing Operations Leadership
- Build and scale a high-performing commercial operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- Oversee the selection, implementation, and management of core commercial technologies, including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, and data warehouses.
- Develop and implement sales force sizing, structure, territory alignment, and incentive compensation plans to motivate and drive performance.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to monitor and analyze commercial performance, providing actionable insights to the leadership team.
Data Analytics, Insights & Forecasting
- Champion a data-driven decision-making culture across the commercial organization.
- Lead the commercial analytics function to deliver robust market analysis, competitive intelligence, and performance reporting.
- Oversee all aspects of commercial forecasting, including demand planning, revenue projections, and long-range planning, ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate goals.
- Partner with Market Research to translate primary and secondary data into strategic insights that inform brand strategy and tactical execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the commercial leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Finance, to ensure strategic alignment.
- Manage external vendor and agency relationships, ensuring high-quality deliverables, on-time execution, and budget adherence.
- Represent the commercial operations function in executive-level discussions, providing clear, concise updates and strategic recommendations.
Requirements for the VP, Commercial Operations with a Biopharma Start-up – Cambridge, MA
We are looking for a seasoned professional with a proven track record of building and leading commercial operations functions within the biopharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (life sciences, business, marketing) is required.
- An advanced degree (MBA, PhD, PharmD) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 7 years in a leadership role within commercial operations, sales operations, or marketing operations.
- Direct experience preparing for and executing successful product launches is essential, preferably in specialty markets such as oncology, rare diseases, or immunology.
- Demonstrated experience building a commercial operations function from the ground up in a start-up or small, high-growth environment is a significant advantage.
- Proven experience in managing budgets, vendors, and cross-functional project teams.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep expertise across all facets of commercial operations, including sales force effectiveness (SFE), CRM, data analytics, incentive compensation, forecasting, and marketing operations.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and make data-driven decisions.
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and aligning stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a high tolerance for ambiguity, a strong sense of urgency, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Thorough understanding of the legal, regulatory, and compliance landscape governing the pharmaceutical industry, including experience navigating the complex U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval pathways.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in their people and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company-wide holidays, to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A commitment to your growth with support for conferences, workshops, and continued education.
Inspiring Work Environment
A collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture located in a state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge, MA.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, catered lunches, and regular team-building events.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a strategic, hands-on commercial operations leader ready to build a function from the ground up and make a tangible impact on patients’ lives, we want to hear from you. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences sector. To learn more about our expertise and discover other opportunities, please visit our Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Recruiting practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
