Welcome
Strategic Search & Talent Solutions for Life Sciences
Expert recruiting and consulting solutions for biotech and digital health organizations.
About HS Strategic Search
Mission
At Holly Smith Strategic Search, my mission is to deliver exceptional results for life science and digital health companies through a personalized, strategic approach to their hiring objectives. My work is grounded in the values of collaboration, curiosity, and purpose, with a focus on building lasting relationships and a genuine commitment to advancing science.
About
I’m Holly Smith, founder of Holly Smith Strategic Search, an independent consultancy providing flexible, high-impact hiring solutions for life science and digital health companies. With over seven years at top boutique search firms and prior life science experience in Business Development and Product Management at a leading Contract Research Organization, I bring a deep understanding of the drug development process from discovery through commercialization. After working with many emerging companies I wanted to offer a variety of different specialized options outside of the traditional retained executive search model including fractional/embedded recruiting services depending on your hiring needs and stage of growth. I act as an extension of your team to truly understand your unique culture, innovation, and people. I love being able to partner in a way that brings to most value to growing companies who are seeking biotech recruiting expertise and the ability to tap into an instant talent function that makes sense for your unique goals, needs, and budget.
flexible RECRUITING support for life science companies
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
For teams that want consistent, ongoing support
- Flat monthly fee for a set number of hours (e.g. 20-40 hours/month)
- I act as an extension of your team~ attending hiring manager meetings, managing candidate pipelines, and keeping the process moving
- Predictable cost and effort allocation
- Continuous candidate pipeline and hiring manager support
- Builds deep knowledge of company culture and team dynamics
Benefit: Predictable cost for you, consistent focus for me
Day Rate/Part-Time Contractor
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
For companies who need flexibility or want to "test-drive" embedded recruiting support
- Fixed daily or half day rate (e.g., 1-2 days per week)
- Flexible Scope: Building job descriptions, interview coordination, process improvements, candidate outreach and screening
- Test drive a fractional recruitment model without the commitment
- Quick access to senior level executive recruiting expertise
- Can scale up or down based on current hiring needs
Benefit: Only pay for the time and expertise you need
Retained Executive Search
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
For VP/C-Level, high-stakes leadership, or highly technical roles
- Structured retained search engagement with phased payments
- Deep market research and proactive outreach to passive candidates
- Rigorous vetting and assessment of candidates
- Accessing top-tier talent that might not be looking
Benefit: High touch and comprehensive process to secure the best leadership talent for your organization
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
For companies who want a dedicated search partner with performance based results
- Smaller monthly retainer payments to cover dedicated sourcing, outreach, and pipeline development
- Keeps costs predictable while driving incentive to fill quickly
- Balanced commitment and security
Benefit: Shared commitment and predictable lower time based costs upfront
Why choose HS Strategic Search?
Dedicated Partnership
As a high-touch, one-person consultancy, I offer a personalized, dedicated approach tailored to your unique needs. For growing companies who are seeking dedicated access to senior recruiting expertise without the cost/need of a full-time hire or the uncertainty and recruiter variability of working with a larger firm.
Flexible Recruiting Solution Models
HS Strategic Search provides a variety of both traditional and fractional/embedded solutions depending on your hiring needs, budget, and stage of growth. I will work with you to develop a solution that aligns with both your project requirements ensuring maximum value and flexibility.
Industry Experience
HS Strategic Search brings a deep understanding of the drug development process from discovery through commercialization and success across the life sciences portfolio.
Successful Searches Include:
CBO ~ Discovery Platform, Oncology Therapeutics
CSO ~ Oncology Therapeutics
CHRO ~ Diagnostics
CBO ~ Peptide Therapeutics
EVP GM ~ Laboratory Products
SVP Discovery ~ Discovery Platform, Therapeutics
SVP Head of Clinical Development ~ Oncology Therapeutics
VP Therapeutic Development Team Leader ~ Rare Disease Therapeutics
VP Data Science ~ AMD Therapeutics
VP Discovery ~ Platform Discovery
VP Product Development ~ Diagnostics
VP Commercial Operations and Analytics ~ Diagnostics
VP R&D ~ Cell Therapy
VP Marketing ~ AI/Digital Health Technology
VP Program Management ~ Oncology Therapeutics
Head Data Science ~ Discovery Platform and Therapeutics
SD Business and Corporate Development ~ AMD Therapeutics
SD Medical Education/Med Affairs ~ Healthcare Platform
Scientific Director ~ CDMO
Director ~ Program Management ~ Ocular Disease Therapeutics
Faculty ~ National Medical Center