experts in life sciences
Trusted by Biotech and Pharma Leaders
Since 1998 The Higgins Group has focused on executive search exclusively in the life sciences. That means our team understands the scientific rigor, demands, and leadership qualities required to advance innovation. Whether building a leadership team for an early-stage biotech or strengthening executive ranks at a global pharma company, you need proven leaders who drive results and create lasting impact. At THG, we harness our network to help clients like you find and secure the right leaders with the right expertise.
“The Higgins Group doesn’t just deliver what you ask, they deliver what you actually need. In the life sciences industry, where we discover and develop new medicines, finding the right team members isn’t just a wish; it’s mission-critical.”
Our niche, our difference
We find the expert you need to fill your mission-critical roles.
The life sciences executive talent pool is small, highly credentialed, and constantly in demand. These leaders are difficult to access and frequently approached by recruiters. Basic outreach efforts won’t get their attention. Capturing their interest in your role demands long-term trust built on relationships.
That’s where The Higgins Group stands apart. As a client, you gain access to an exclusive network of leaders that others struggle to engage. Our proven process doesn’t just identify candidates, it builds meaningful connections with sought-after experts. This ensures you meet and engage with our network of executives who bring both scientific expertise and cultural alignment to their roles. These leaders make an immediate impact and move your organization forward.
why clients choose us
We prioritize fit over finish. Whether it’s your next C-suite executive, functional leader, or board member, we deliver more than what you want; we deliver what you need.
Reputation as a Trusted Partner since 1998
Opens doors to top-tier talent and builds confidence with candidates and clients alike
Expansive Active Network
Access to otherwise unreachable candidates through our deep network of long-standing personal and professional relationships
Dedicated In-House Research
Exhaustive, up-to-date database of 90,000+ industry leaders, ensuring no corner of the market is overlooked
Expert, Professional Consultants
Act as brand ambassadors who elevate your reputation in the marketplace
Depth and Commitment
Every search begins with a deep dive into your business and culture. This ensures candidates are qualified and aligned with your mission and values, leading to long-term hires who succeed.
A True Partnership
We know a successful search takes more than a provider. It takes a partner who is in the trenches with you, aligned with your goals, values, and the stakes of the work. We take on assignments only when confident the partnership is the right fit and we’re ready to deliver exceptional results together.
Recruitment for the full life cycle of R&D
Executive
Search
- Retained
- Board
- Interim
- Fractional
Functions of Drug Development
- Clinical Development
- Regulatory & Quality
- Translational
- Preclinical
- Medical Affairs
- Discovery
- Safety / Pharmacovigilance
- Program Management
- Chemistry
- Biology
Full Leadership Recruitment
- Executive Leaders
- C-level (CMO, CDO,CRO,CSO, and others)
- President / Head of R&D
- Executive Vice President
- Senior Vice President
- Vice President
- Mid-Level Leaders
- Associate Vice President
- Executive Director
- Senior Director
- Director
- Associate Director
The Cost of the Wrong Hire vs. the Value of Retained Search
In life sciences, leadership decisions directly shape science, strategy, and shareholder value. Too often, companies rely on internal hires or rushed recruitment to fill critical roles. The cost of getting it wrong is staggering.
The Wrong Hire Causes:
Negative Financial Impact
The wrong leader can cost 3–5x their annual salary in severance, lost productivity, stalled programs, and team disruption.
Lost Time
Internal or poor external hires can set programs back months or years, which is crippling in drug development, where timelines are everything.
Lost Credibility
Investors, partners, and boards expect credibility. The wrong leader can erode confidence, delay funding, or damage reputation.
Cultural Mismatch
Even highly credentialed leaders can fail if they don’t align with company values, investor expectations, or stage-specific needs.
Choosing the right partner reduces these risks. As a retained executive search firm exclusively focused on life sciences, The Higgins Group ensures:
Precision Matching
Identified candidates align with leadership profiles to your company’s scientific, cultural, and strategic context instead of just matching resumes to job descriptions.
Access to Hidden Talent
THG’s deep network, built over decades, unlocks executives who aren’t responding to job postings or inbound recruiter calls.
High-Touch Process
To protect your time and reputation, our clients receive white-glove treatment, including:
- Transparent communication
- Rigorous candidate vetting
Reduced Risk, Maximized Value
Our proven methodology delivers leaders who not only fit the role but accelerate impact.
Our Guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the quality of the search work, you may retain or be refunded any portion of the search fee.
Additionally, if for any reason, a successful candidate leaves your company during the ONE-YEAR period commencing with the date of hire, The Higgins Group will provide one replacement search at no fee to your company.
