SpecialismStrategy & Growth

R&D, Regulatory & Clinical Strategy

Strategists who shape pipelines and development programmes, from indication selection to regulatory and evidence planning.

Functions we cover R&D strategy & operationsDiscovery & translationalClinical development strategyClinical operationsRegulatory & safety strategyR&D consulting

Our perspective

Shaping the pipeline from first molecule to filing

R&D organisations are under pressure to do more with less: sharper portfolio choices, faster and more efficient trials, growing reliance on external innovation and new AI tools in discovery. That has created demand for strategists who understand the science and the decisions it feeds.

These are scarce profiles, often with clinical, scientific or regulatory backgrounds and a strategic or consulting overlay. We know where they sit across pharma, biotech and R&D-focused consultancies, and how to approach them with a role worth their time.

Where we focus

The areas within R&D strategy we know best

R&D strategy and operations

Setting R&D priorities and investment, redesigning operating models and governance, and lifting productivity across the pipeline.

Typical rolesHead of R&D Strategy · R&D Chief of Staff · R&D Portfolio Director

Discovery and translational strategy

Target and indication selection, biomarker strategy and the step from bench to first-in-human, increasingly supported by AI-enabled platforms.

Typical rolesTranslational Strategy Lead · Discovery Strategy Director · Biomarker Strategy Lead

Clinical development strategy

Programme and trial strategy, indication sequencing and integrated evidence plans that balance speed, cost and probability of success.

Typical rolesClinical Development Strategy Director · Programme Strategy Lead · Integrated Evidence Lead

Clinical operations and trial delivery

Protocol and site design, faster start-up and enrolment, decentralised trial models and the oversight of CROs and vendors.

Typical rolesHead of Clinical Operations · Trial Delivery Director · Clinical Outsourcing Lead

Regulatory and safety strategy

Global regulatory pathways, agency interactions, risk management and inspection-ready pharmacovigilance.

Typical rolesGlobal Regulatory Strategy Lead · Regulatory Strategy Director · Head of Pharmacovigilance Strategy

R&D consulting

Consultancies advising on pipeline strategy, development productivity, clinical operations and R&D operating models.

Typical rolesConsultant · Engagement Manager · Principal · Partner

Levels we recruit

From rising consultants to the leadership table

Consulting

ConsultantSenior ConsultantEngagement ManagerAssociate PrincipalPrincipalPartner

Pharma & biotech

ManagerAssociate DirectorDirectorSenior DirectorVP R&D StrategyHead of Development

Live roles

R&D, Regulatory & Clinical Strategy roles we're working on

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