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.
