Hiring a VP of Regulatory Affairs for a New York-based biotech
How we helped Xequel Bio quickly secure a senior Regulatory Affairs leader during a critical transition period.
Finding the Right Leader Under Pressure
Xequel Bio, a clinical-stage biotech, urgently needed to backfill their VP of Regulatory Affairs after a sudden departure.
They had tried to recruit internally without success and had also engaged another agency exclusively for two weeks, but received no suitable profiles.
Many candidates were hesitant to leave the stability of large biotechs for smaller organisations during a period when several small biotechs were closing.
The Challenge
Xequel Bio faced several obstacles:
A business-critical backfill role, requiring quick turnaround.
A highly competitive talent pool where strong candidates are rarely active.
Internal resourcing constraints, with no in-house TA expertise.
The stakes were high — and the need to persuade large-biotech talent to consider a smaller biotech opportunity was another hurdle to contend with.
Our Approach
We knew speed and structure would be essential, so we designed a focused and time-bound search process:
Fixed Timeline
Aligned with Xequel Bio on specific interview dates upfront to create momentum.
Network-Driven Search
Leveraged our long-standing regulatory affairs network, built through years of working in the space.
Shortlist & Scheduling
Within three days, delivered 10 pre-qualified candidates, highlighting the top five and pre-booking them into interview slots. The other five were kept warm as a contingency pool.
Process Ownership
Took full ownership of coordination and communication to reduce the burden on their internal HR team.
The Results
Our structured, network-led approach delivered a fast and decisive outcome:
5
Resumes Submitted
3
Candidates Interviewed
1
VP of Reg Affairs Hired
The Impact
By rapidly securing a seasoned regulatory leader from a large biotech background, Xequel Bio was able to maintain momentum on critical programmes and stabilise their senior leadership team during a vulnerable period.
Build your own Success Story
Allow us to support with your hiring requirements as Xequel Bio did. Get in touch with details about your current talent needs and let's build a winning strategy together.
Similar Projects
AstraZeneca
How we reinforced AstraZeneca’s medical affairs team with permanent talent, strengthening our longstanding global partnership.
Scholar Rock
We enabled the expansion of this US biotech by overcoming location and expertise challenges to place a pivotal senior leadership hire in clinical QA.
Crispr Thx
How we secured a Senior Scientist with a highly technical skillset in one of the most competitive talent markets in the US.