Welcome
Strategic Executive Search Services 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 high-impact hiring solutions for life science and digital health companies. After more than seven years recruiting at top boutique search firms and prior experience in Business Development and Product Management at a leading Contract Research Organization, I launched this practice to offer a more personal, flexible recruiting approach. I bring a deep understanding of the drug development process from discovery through commercialization and partner with clients to hire the leaders who drive innovation. My approach is advisory, invested, and relationship-driven. I am passionate about my children, the ocean, and science—values that shape both my work and life.
Executive Search Solutions for Your Business
End to End Recruitment
Overall Process Support
Overall Process Support
As your trusted partner, we collaborate closely with you to understand your unique needs and develop a tailored, strategic recruitment plan. Through ongoing, transparent communication and the sharing of valuable market insights, we continuously align our approach to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for your business.
Overall Process Support
Overall Process Support
Overall Process Support
From developing compelling job descriptions to negotiating offer terms—and every step in between—we provide comprehensive support throughout the hiring process to ensure a seamless experience for your team.
Executive Candidate Assessment
Executive Candidate Assessment
Executive Candidate Assessment
We provide executive screening and assessment services to support confident, informed hiring decisions for your future leadership team. Through close collaboration, we gain a deep understanding of your organization’s unique culture, goals, and team dynamics to help define the ideal candidate profile. From customized screening strategies to tailored evaluation tools, we deliver the insights you need to identify and secure the best overall fit for your leadership needs.
Talent Acquisition Partnership
Executive Candidate Assessment
Executive Candidate Assessment
We partner with life science companies as a strategic extension of their internal teams, providing specialized recruitment support tailored to the pace and complexity of the life sciences industry. Whether you're building a team from the ground up, expanding R&D functions, or navigating rapid growth after funding, we deliver flexible, high-impact hiring solutions. HS Strategic Search can help you attract the scientific and operational leaders who will drive innovation forward—so you can stay focused on advancing your science.
Why choose HS Strategic Search?
Dedicated Partnership
As a high-touch, one-person consultancy, I offer a personalized, dedicated approach to recruiting that’s tailored to your unique needs. I work closely with each client, ensuring that every search is thoughtfully crafted and aligned with your organizational goals. With over seven years of experience in life science recruiting and a deep understanding of the drug development process, I bring both expertise and a commitment to providing exceptional service. When you partner with me, you’re not just another client—you’re a valued partner in a truly collaborative, one-on-one recruitment experience.
Solutions Based Pricing
HS Strategic Search provides tailored pricing models designed to meet your specific needs, including standard and flexible retained options, pay-as-you-go, and milestone-based pricing. We collaborate with you to develop a solution that aligns with both your project requirements and budget, 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
Faculty ~ National Medical Center