Executive Advisor
Executive Advisor - Pharma Services (CRO/CDMO)
Location: Flexible (Europe or North America)
Engagement: Board Advisor / Operating Partner / Executive Advisor
Sector: Pharmaceutical Services (CRO, CDMO, Laboratory Services)
Sponsor: Private Equity Backed Investment
Overview
We are partnering with a private equity investor seeking an experienced executive advisor to support the strategic development and value creation of a pharmaceutical services business. This role will work closely with investors, board members, and executive leadership teams to drive operational excellence, commercial growth, and transformational change throughout the investment lifecycle.
The successful individual will bring a proven track record of leadership within CRO, CDMO, or broader pharma services environments and have direct experience supporting businesses through periods of accelerated growth, turnaround, transformation, and exit preparation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a strategic advisor to the Board, CEO, and investment team.
- Support the development and execution of value creation plans.
- Identify and implement initiatives to accelerate revenue growth and EBITDA expansion.
- Provide guidance on commercial strategy, market positioning, and organisational development.
- Drive operational improvement, performance optimisation, and business transformation initiatives.
- Support M&A activity including acquisitions, integrations, carve-outs, and divestitures.
- Assess organisational capability and assist with executive team development where required.
- Help prepare the business for refinancing, sale processes, or other liquidity events.
- Engage with stakeholders across management, investors, customers, and potential buyers.
Candidate Profile
We are interested in speaking with senior executives who have held leadership positions such as:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
- President
- Managing Director
- Business Unit President
- Operating Partner
- Board Director
- Executive Chair
Required Experience
- Significant leadership experience within CRO, CDMO, testing, analytical, laboratory, development, manufacturing, or broader pharmaceutical services organisations.
- Demonstrated success delivering substantial EBITDA growth and profitability improvement.
- Proven track record leading turnaround, restructuring, or transformational growth programmes.
- Experience working within private equity-backed environments.
- Successful involvement in company exits, sale processes, or strategic transactions.
- Experience with carve-outs, divestitures, integrations, or corporate separations.
- Strong strategic, operational, and commercial acumen.
- Credibility operating at Board and investor level.