Head of Competitive Intelligence

Smith Hanley; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

LTI program

Performance bonus

Job summary

Smith Hanley in the Greater San Diego area seeks a strategic Head of Competitive Intelligence to elevate the function across pipeline and commercial products. You will deliver actionable insights to executive leadership, partner with Commercial, Medical Affairs, R&D, Market Access, Forecasting, and Investor Relations, and build a scalable CI program in a fast-paced biotech setting.

This leadership role requires a track record in pharma/biotech CI, US product launches, and team-building to

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Competitive Intelligence

CI Leadership

Executive presence

Product development

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Title: Head of Competitive Intelligence

Location: Greater San Diego, California Area

Compensation: $220-250k base + bonus, LTI & relocation assistance

Contact: Lindsey Bartlett - [e-mail]

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.