Head of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions (biotech/pharma R&D)
San Diego, United States | Posted on 11/09/2026
The Head of Portfolio Strategy & Solutions is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the design, optimization, and commercial strategy of our comprehensive pre-clinical and translational service portfolio. Operating within a high-growth contract research organization (CRO), this position bridges the gap between scientific capabilities, market demand, and business objectives.
This high-autonomy role requires a strategic builder who can operate with agility without bureaucracy. You will collaborate closely with scientific, operational, commercial, and financial teams to define new service offerings, optimize current workflows, build business cases for strategic investments, and directly support high-stakes client engagements.
What Success Looks Like (12-Month Targets)
Operational & Portfolio Efficiency: Measurably improve service line efficiency metrics and implement end-to-end laboratory information management system (LIMS) integrations.
Technology Expansion: Successfully evaluate, onboard, and integrate at least one new cutting-edge technology platform.
Commercial Impact: Maintain or increase client retention rates while establishing a track record of positive collaboration and impact with business leaders and commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
Shape, optimize, and manage the lifecycle of integrated service offerings across discovery biology, in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, immunology, and biomarker platforms.
Lead portfolio roadmapping, market trend evaluation, and long-term business planning to align capabilities with emerging industry needs.
Support budgeting, pricing strategies, margin analysis, and financial business cases for portfolio investments and expansions.
Client Engagement & Solutions Design
Partner directly with biotech and pharma clients to design customized R&D solutions aligned with their therapeutic goals.
Act as a technical subject matter expert during high-stakes business development meetings, pitch presentations, and proposal designs.
Champion a customer-centric model, ensuring service delivery remains responsive, intuitive, and aligned with client expectations to drive long-term retention.
Operational Innovation & Digital Transformation
Partner with service line leaders to streamline laboratory workflows by integrating automation, digital data tracking, ELN, and LIMS platforms to ensure compliant data delivery.
Evaluate and champion the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI/ML tools and automated workflows, while navigating data privacy and compliance considerations.
Cross-Functional & Commercial Alignment
Translate complex scientific data into clear, compelling commercial strategies, sales collateral, and client-facing positioning.
Collaborate with marketing and commercial leadership to optimize the customer journey and turn digital assets into high-converting business development drivers.
Represent the organization externally at industry conferences, symposia, and prospective client meetings to build strategic partnerships and reinforce market visibility.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education: Ph. D. in Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
Industry Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in pre-clinical drug discovery, biotech/pharma R&D, or CRO operations.
Leadership Experience: 5+ years in senior leadership roles with proven success leading cross-functional teams and liaising across scientific and business departments.
Portfolio & Business Acumen: Demonstrated success in portfolio strategy, product/service lifecycle management, and foundational financial planning (pricing, margins, budget prioritization).
Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with GLP, GCP, or 21 CFR Part 11 regulatory and compliance frameworks is preferred.
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