Head Of Commercial Operations

Company Overview

Morgan Prestwich is thrilled to be partnering with a rapidly growing small CDMO organization in North America who specialize in Cell and Gene Therapy. They have a state-of-the-art process development and cGMP manufacturing center equipped with two GMP suites for cell C> clinical production, and a C> process development pilot plant, to support the development and clinical manufacturing needs of their clients.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Commercial will provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of Commercial strategies which build and grow the business and maximize revenue and profitability for the Company. This position will oversee all aspects of Commercial (Sales/Business Development & Marketing) and will build, expand, and lead a best-in-class Commercial team, including a Head of Marketing and 2 Business Development executives, to architect a growth strategy and successfully implement pragmatic and results-oriented objectives which guide the evolution and growth of the Company to achieve short and long-term business objectives.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, decisive, and influential business leader who is charismatic, energetic, driven, “hands-on” and thrives in a nimble, entrepreneurial organization poised for significant growth. S/he will be adept at motivating others to achieve desired results and will possess exceptional communication, team management, presentation, negotiation, collaboration and deal-making abilities within a fast-paced, highly-regulated environment. This is a highly visible, key leadership role empowered to build an organization fit-for-growth to successfully deliver life-changing therapies in service to patients

Qualifications and Experience:

• Exceptional leadership skills; demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others; experience building high-performing commercial teams; strong talent assessment capability and the ability to attract, engage, retain, and effectively coach top industry talent to superior performance.
• Highly collaborative, wise and perceptive; prudent analysis in problem solving; displays confidence with humility.
• Customer-focused; develops win-win solutions.
• Demonstrated track record of commercial success with a complex and highly-scientific sell where vertically integrating customers with multiple functional constituents is commonplace.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) with ability to synthesize complex information and support effective decision making with internal and external stakeholders/regulatory partners, senior management, external suppliers, and customers.
• 12+ years’ experience as a senior/executive-level commercial leader within the Life Sciences industry with strong track record of advancement and success in growing businesses; commercial experience with cell and gene therapy projects in a CDMO setting (process development, tech transfer and clinical manufacturing projects) or other services experience selling into Pharma/Biotech/BioPharma preferred. Experience in both large and small organizations preferred.
• Highly ethical and customer-centered. Unquestioned personal and professional integrity with assertiveness, and confidence. High level of commitment to team and Company values.
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented, self-directed, "roll up your sleeves” environment. Strong motivation to create an impact. High energy, drive for results, and passion for winning.
• Sound, updated, competitive industry knowledge. Established industry contacts including regulatory authorities, industry organizations, and companies. Resourceful with strong networking skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business/Marketing or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of Intellectual Property concepts, Legal, and Regulatory environment required.
• Successful general management experience with a demonstrated track record of delivering top line growth and bottom line performance. Sound business judgment.
• Superb strategist/visionary who can originate competitive and creative strategies; demonstrated ability to think strategically and generate new ideas.
• Track record of success working cross-functionally and at all levels in an evolving environment; effective influence across functional boundaries; experience in a highly-scientific culture desired.
• Strong scientific aptitude/knowledge of the cell and gene therapy space and CDMO concepts required; significant personal network of connections in the cell and gene therapy ecosystem.
• Impeccable relationship building, conflict resolution, and closing skills. Ability to “think on your feet” during negotiations with third parties and during internal discussions of risks and strategy. Ability to influence others in the face of resistance.
• Independent thinker with analytical expertise. Ability to quickly manipulate numbers, draw conclusions, and exhibit solid problem solving. Financially savvy.