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Executive Director Biotech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director partners closely with Executive leaders Sales, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to deliver high-quality products in complex scientific environments. Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director partners closely with Executive leaders Sales, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to deliver high-quality products in complex scientific environments. Duties and Responsibilities:

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the ... Role OverviewThe Sr. Medical Director/Executive Director of Early Clinical Development is a ...

Executive Director, Finance

Redmond, WA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

Position Summary : The Executive Director, Finance will serve as the business partner and the ... Required Qualifications and Behaviors : * 12+ years of progressive finance experience in biotech ...

Executive Director, Finance

Redmond, WA · On-site

$200K - $270K/yr

Position Summary : The Executive Director, Finance will serve as the business partner and the ... Required Qualifications and Behaviors : * 12+ years of progressive finance experience in biotech ...

$84K - $115K/yr

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the ... Legend Biotech is seeking an Executive Director, Pipeline Clinical Lead as part of the Clinical ...

The Executive Director of Biostatistics is a strategic, dynamic, and empowered leader, overseeing ... biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal ...

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Executive Director Biotech information

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$11K

$63.2K

$155K

How much do executive director biotech jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director biotech in the United States is $63,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Executive Director in biotech?

An Executive Director in biotech is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and growth of a biotechnology company or specific department. They play a critical role in managing teams, developing business strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving research and development initiatives. Executive Directors often act as the main point of contact for investors, partners, and regulatory agencies, and are instrumental in shaping the company’s long-term vision and success. Their responsibilities may also include fundraising, budgeting, and representing the company at industry events.

What are some key challenges faced by an Executive Director in the biotech industry, and how can I prepare for them?

As an Executive Director in biotech, you will often navigate complex regulatory requirements, manage multidisciplinary teams, and balance scientific innovation with business objectives. One common challenge is ensuring projects meet both scientific rigor and commercial viability within tight timelines and budgets. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong leadership skills, stay current on industry trends and regulatory changes, and foster open communication across research, clinical, and commercial departments. Building a network of experienced advisors and continuously enhancing your strategic planning abilities can also help you effectively address these challenges.

What is the difference between Executive Director Biotech vs Research Scientist Biotech?

AspectExecutive Director BiotechResearch Scientist Biotech
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD, MD), extensive experienceTypically PhD or Master's in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLeadership, strategic planning, managementLaboratory research, experimental work
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharma firms, biotech divisionsResearch institutions, biotech R&D departments
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level management, strategic rolesResearch, scientific development

The main difference between an Executive Director Biotech and a Research Scientist Biotech lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Executive Director focuses on leadership, strategic planning, and managing teams, often requiring extensive experience and advanced degrees. In contrast, the Research Scientist is primarily involved in laboratory research and scientific experimentation. Both roles are vital in the biotech industry but serve different functions within organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Director in Biotech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Director in Biotech, you need extensive experience in life sciences, advanced degrees (often a PhD or MBA), and a proven track record in strategic leadership and business development. Familiarity with drug development pipelines, regulatory compliance (such as FDA or EMA guidelines), and financial management systems is crucial. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and team leadership skills set successful candidates apart. These skills ensure effective organizational direction, successful product development, and sustained growth in a highly regulated and competitive industry.
More about Executive Director Biotech jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Director Biotech jobs? Cities with the most Executive Director Biotech job openings:
What states have the most Executive Director Biotech jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Director Biotech jobs include:
Infographic showing various Executive Director Biotech job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 43% Full Time, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,209 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Executive Director, Biotech Partnership Lead

Fortrea

Durham, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Fortrea rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 57 rated research


Job description

Job Overview:

The Executive Director, Biotech Portfolio Lead (BPL) is an enterprise commercial leader accountable for the strategic direction, commercial performance, and delivery excellence of Fortrea's most critical biotech client portfolios. Serving as executive sponsor for a regional portfolio of strategic biotech partners, this role owns the longterm health, growth, and outcomes of complex, multiprogram relationships.

The BPL provides executivelevel continuity across the full client lifecycle, maintaining clear line of sight across all portfolio work to enable proactive planning, predictable execution, and alignment with sponsor scientific strategy, clinical development priorities, and business objectives. Through strategic portfolio leadership, executive client engagement, and crossfunctional collaboration, the BPL drives sustained partnership growth, supports business development, and strengthens Fortrea's reputation as a trusted leader in biotech strategy and delivery.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Strategic Operational Leadership

  • Lead Commercial Account Management strategic roadmap and direct execution of global biotech initiatives.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement across delivery models, governance, operational processes, and crossbusiness collaboration.
  • Own and orchestrate relationship strategy across enterprise by partnering with delivery, business unit, and Business Development leaders

Client Relationship Leadership

  • Act as the executive lead in client engagements, proposals, and bid defenses for strategic biotech accounts.
  • Act as the executive partner with Business Development to identify, prioritize, and scale strategic biotech relationships and repeat business.
  • Represent the function as a senior functional leader to advance new business and portfolio expansion opportunities.

Partnership Portfolio Oversight and Accountability

  • Provide enterprise, governance, and accountability for global clinical program planning, execution, and delivery across the biotech portfolio.
  • Achieves or exceeds annual sales plan and sales targets for assigned accounts through proactive high-level sales engagement and strategic networking with potential and existing accounts
  • Act as the trusted advisor and retain ultimate accountability for portfoliolevel operational outcomes.
  • Lead or chair in governance forums to ensure enterprise alignment with client strategy and objectives.

Departmental and Organizational Leadership

  • Establish clear strategic direction aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Develop and steward a highperforming leadership team and succession pipeline.
  • Lead enterprise change initiatives and uphold ethical standards aligned with Fortrea's values.
  • Serve as a leadership voice within Commercial, setting expectations for culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
  • All other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications (Minimum Required):

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic qualification in life sciences, public health, health economics, or a related field.
  • Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements
  • Deep enterpriselevel knowledge of biotech strategy, clinical development, and longterm partnership models, with a sustained record of success delivering highly complex, global portfolios.
  • Exceptional strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and executive presence, with the ability to influence Csuite stakeholders and enterprise decisionmaking.
  • Proven ability to define portfolio strategy, drive growth, and own longterm financial and delivery outcomes.
  • Advanced communication, analytical, and organizational skills to navigate ambiguity, lead senior leaders, and make highimpact decisions.
  • Ability to represent Fortrea externally as a trusted executive partner and to build leadership capability across the organization.
  • Valid driver's license appropriate for the country of residence and role requirements and have a clean driving record.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, GPS systems, and delivery instructions.

Experience (Minimum Required):

  • 12 years of experience in within the clinical research, project delivery, and/or consulting within the pharmaceutical or CRO industry,
  • A minimum of 6 years of director-level leadership.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

Work Environment:

  • Frequent travel to clients/site locations with occasional travel both domestic and international.
  • Travel: up to 50%; travel may require overnight stays.
  • Flexibility in working hours may be required to meet global demands.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit for extended periods.
  • Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
  • Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
  • Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
  • Light to moderate lifting and carrying, or moving of objects, including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
  • Regular and consistent attendance.
  • Varied hours may be required.

Pay Range: $230,000-$250,000 (The range does not include benefits, and if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity)


Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate's skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), and Company bonus where applicable. For more detailed information, please click here.

Application deadline: May22, 2026

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.