Job Description

Executive Search Client Partner

Life Sciences | Biotech & Pharmaceutical Industry

Location : Suburban Philadelphia/Boston (Hybrid)

Help Shape the Leadership of the Biotech Industry

**Please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter explaining why this opportunity interests you. Applications without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

The Higgins Group is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm specializing in the life sciences industry. For more than 28 years, we have partnered with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to recruit the senior leaders responsible for developing life-changing medicines.

We focus on C-level and senior R&D leadership roles across the drug development continuum from discovery through commercialization. Our work sits at the intersection of science, leadership, and strategy, helping innovative companies identify the leaders who will shape their future.

Because of the long-term relationships we build with our clients, most of our work comes from repeat business and referrals.

The Role

We are seeking an Executive Search Client Partner who combines executive presence, commercial judgment, and intellectual curiosity and who enjoys building relationships with senior leaders across the life sciences industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead C-level and senior R&D searches from strategy through close
• Build trusted client relationships by understanding leadership needs and organizational context
• Assess senior executives for leadership capability, technical credibility, and cultural fit
• Provide candidate feedback, market intelligence, and strategic counsel throughout the search
• Guide offer strategy and align clients and candidates toward successful outcomes
• Develop new business through targeted outreach, networking, and long-term relationship building
• Lead search teams with high standards of collaboration, accountability, and execution
• Monitor search progress and key performance indicators to ensure exceptional delivery
• Collaborate with other client partners and firm leadership on strategic priorities
• Stay current on industry trends, market dynamics, and leadership movements
• Represent the firm at conferences and industry networking events
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement of our search practices and client delivery

Who Thrives Here

Our best client partners combine executive presence, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence.

You may thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy building relationships with senior executives, founders, and scientific leaders
• Have strong instincts for people, leadership, and organizational dynamics
• Balance strategic thinking with accountability for outcomes
• Bring a business development mindset rooted in trust and long-term partnership
• Lead with humility, credibility, and high standards

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Significant experience leading executive search or other senior-level client engagements in life sciences
• Strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders
• Deep understanding of life sciences R&D organizations and the judgment to lead complex engagements, build client relationships, and mentor teams

Helpful but not required

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or similar)
• Experience with CRM systems such as Invenias or Salesforce
• Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
• Experience in a boutique or entrepreneurial professional services environment

Our Culture

Our firm operates around a few simple principles:

• No jerks allowed. Be humble, kind, transparent, and open-minded. Trust in, and earn the trust of others, both internally and externally.
• Work smart. Achieve excellence. Take pride in becoming an expert in your role (and beyond). Grow your skills and knowledge proactively. Set the bar high and sweat the details.
• Be a great teammate. No drama – be positive, enthusiastic, and fun to work with. Offer help before it’s asked for. Give credit and accept responsibility.
• Care at an exceptional level. Find meaning in your work and take an active ownership in keeping The Higgins Group great. Strive to build clients for life.
• Be positively proactive. Always be curious. Don’t dwell on problems; seek solutions. Take initiative and act with every urgency. Value results over activity.

If integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for excellence define you, you will find your people here.

Benefits

• Collaborative, supportive team culture
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Unlimited PTO plus observed holidays
• Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s
• Health, dental, and disability insurance
• 401(k)

How to Apply

**Please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter explaining why this opportunity interests you. Applications without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

The Higgins Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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