About the Role
Title: Head of Competitive Intelligence Location: Greater San Diego, California Area Compensation: $220-250k base + bonus, LTI & relocation assistance Contact: Lindsey Bartlett - lbartlett@smithhanley.com Lead Strategy. Influence Decisions. Shape the Future. This isn't a role where you'll simply monitor the competition; you'll help shape the decisions that determine where the business goes next. Our client is looking for a strategic Competitive Intelligence leader to build upon an established function and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership. You'll partner across Commercial, Medical Affairs, R&D, Market Access, Forecasting, Investor Relations, and more, translating complex market dynamics into clear, actionable business strategy. If you enjoy connecting scientific and commercial insights, influencing senior leaders, and driving high-impact decisions in a fast-paced biotech environment, this is an exceptional opportunity. What You'll Do: • Lead the enterprise Competitive Intelligence strategy across pipeline and commercial products. • Deliver actionable competitive insights that influence executive decision-making. • Drive competitive readiness, scenario planning, and strategic response planning. • Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Medical Affairs, R&D, Market Access, Forecasting, and other senior leaders. • Lead intelligence planning for key medical congresses and industry events. • Build and enhance CI processes, frameworks, and AI-enabled capabilities. • Manage external CI partners and develop a high-performing team. What We're Looking For: • 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience. • Deep Competitive Intelligence experience within biotech or pharma. • U.S. product launch experience required; global experience preferred. • Strong executive presence with the ability to influence without authority. • Experience supporting products across development, launch, and commercialization. • Rare disease and/or specialty market experience is highly preferred. • Experience building teams, processes, and scalable CI capabilities. • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Why This Role? • Highly visible leadership position with direct executive exposure. • Opportunity to shape the future of a growing biotech organization. • Strategic, enterprise-wide impact; not just reporting on competitors. • Collaborative, cross-functional environment where your insights directly influence business decisions. • Competitive compensation, bonus, equity, and outstanding benefits.