Job Description: Chief of Staff to CEO – NewCo (Biotech/Healthcare)
Location: United States/China
Reporting to: Global CEO
Industry: Biotech / Healthcare / Investments
Executive Summary
A leading global biopharmaceutical group is establishing a NewCo platform focused on innovation, strategic investments, and business expansion in the biotech and healthcare sector. The CEO is seeking a high-caliber Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic partner in building, structuring, and scaling the NewCo.
This role goes far beyond classic Chief of Staff responsibilities. It combines:
- Strategy & business building
- Direct fund management and investment oversight
- Portfolio governance
- Cross-functional leadership support
- CEO office management in a high-growth environment
The ideal candidate brings a hybrid background across strategy, investments, and biotech/healthcare domain knowledge.
Role Purpose
To act as the CEO’s strategic extension, driving the establishment and growth of NewCo while overseeing investment-related activities, portfolio strategy, and cross-functional execution. The role ensures the CEO’s agenda is delivered with excellence across strategic planning, fund governance, and operational mobilization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning & NewCo Build-out
- Support the CEO in shaping NewCo’s long-term strategy, operating model, and investment thesis.
- Lead strategic initiatives including market landscape analysis, business plan development, and portfolio strategy.
- Coordinate the creation of governance frameworks, reporting structures, and decision-making processes.
2. Investment Strategy & Direct Fund Management
- Actively support the CEO in managing the NewCo’s investment fund (internal or external structure).
- Lead components of the investment cycle: screening, evaluation, financial modeling, due diligence, and deal preparation.
- Track and analyze portfolio company performance, risks, and value creation pathways.
- Support fundraising or investor communication activities as required.
- Liaise with external VCs, PEs, bankers, advisors, and legal teams to coordinate deal execution.
3. CEO Office Leadership & Execution
- Translate the CEO’s priorities into actionable plans, ensuring alignment and follow-through.
- Manage cross-functional initiatives, ensuring smooth coordination across R&D, BD, finance, and investment teams.
- Prepare high-impact CEO materials: board presentations, investment memos, speeches, strategic reviews.
- Act as a key representative for the CEO in selected internal and external meetings.
4. Business Development & Ecosystem Engagement
- Support BD activities including partnership discussions, JV structuring, licensing evaluations, and external collaborations.
- Map biotech innovation ecosystems (China, US, EU) to identify potential opportunities aligned with NewCo’s strategy.
- Maintain strong relationships with scientific, industry, and investor communities.
5. Operational Excellence & Organizational Development
- Build scalable processes to support the organization as it grows.
- Manage key operational rhythms: strategy reviews, leadership meetings, investor reporting.
- Identify talent gaps, support hiring, and contribute to organizational design.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Background
- 6–12 years of experience across:
- Venture capital, CVC, PE, or fund management (healthcare/biotech focus preferred)
- Strategy consulting (MBB or Tier-1)
- Corporate strategy / corporate development / BD
- Experience in biotech, pharma, life sciences, or healthcare investments is a strong advantage
- Proven track record in:
- Evaluating investment opportunities
- Conducting due diligence
- Supporting or leading deal execution
- Working closely with CEOs, founders, or investment committees
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (MBA, MSc, MD, PhD).
- Background in life sciences, biotechnology, finance, or related fields is advantageous.
Core Competencies
- Strong investment judgment and financial modeling capability.
- Ability to navigate ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills.
- Strong executive communication and stakeholder influence.
- Ability to build trust with senior leadership and external partners.
- High integrity, humility, and resilience.
What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
- NewCo strategy and operating model fully established.
- Pipeline of high-quality investment opportunities created and evaluated.
- Strong governance, reporting, and fund management structures in place.
- CEO’s office running smoothly with enhanced efficiency and alignment.
- Demonstrated impact across portfolio strategy, deal support, and business building.
Why This Role Is Unique
- A rare opportunity to work closely with a global CEO on building a new biotech innovation and investment platform from the ground up.
- Combines strategy, investments, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership in one role.
- High visibility and impact with both operational and investment responsibilities.