Unlocking Growth with Fractional Roles in Life Sciences

How Early-Stage Companies Can Access Executive Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost

The Leadership Challenge for Early-Stage Life Science Companies
Early-stage life science companies face a difficult reality.

They need experienced leadership—executives who have guided FDA submissions, built commercial teams, secured partnerships, and raised capital. But hiring a full-time CEO, CFO, or VP can cost hundreds of thousands annually in salary, benefits, and bonuses.

For many startups, that level of commitment isn’t feasible.
The result? Key positions stay unfilled, or existing leaders try to cover multiple roles. This can lead to:

• Slower commercialization timelines

• Costly regulatory missteps

• Weak investor confidence

• Sales and business development teams without direction

The Hidden Cost of Executive Gaps
In life sciences—where timing is critical—leadership gaps don’t just cause inconvenience, they create risk.
Companies without the right executives at the right time often face:

• Missed market windows – competitors launch first and capture market share

• Regulatory setbacks – incomplete or delayed filings slow approvals

• Investor hesitation – lack of proven leadership makes fundraising harder

• Operational bottlenecks – teams lose momentum without clear strategy

Delaying executive support can cost a company millions in lost opportunity.

Why Fractional Executives Are the Smart Solution
Fractional executives solve this challenge. They bring senior-level expertise on a part-time or project basis, delivering the same strategic value as a full-time hire—at a fraction of the cost.

At Connexis Search Group, we connect early-stage life science and diagnostic companies with proven leaders in roles such as:

• C-Suite – President, CEO, CFO

• VP-Level – Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Medical Affairs

• Specialized Advisors – Lab Operations, Business Development, Advisory Board Members

• Specialized Experts – Market Access, Managed Care, and AI automation for operational efficiency

Our candidates are thoroughly vetted, with track records of success in growing and exiting early-stage companies. Many bring additional expertise in leveraging AI-driven automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth—an emerging advantage for startups competing in fast-paced life science markets.

The Strategic Advantages of Fractional Leadership
Fractional executives offer:

• Financial flexibility – Typically cost 10–15% of full-time compensation

• Speed to impact – Leaders step in ready to execute from day one

• Agility – Leadership can scale up or down as milestones are met

According to the Harvard Business Review, fractional executive hiring has grown nearly 20% from 2020 to 2022, with life sciences among the fastest-growing sectors.

Why Partner with Connexis Search Group
With over 24 years of experience in life science recruiting, Connexis Search Group has built an extensive network of executives who understand the unique challenges of early-stage companies.

Many of these leaders have successfully navigated product launches, regulatory submissions, fundraising, market access, and commercial growth.

Whether your need is in Business Development, regulatory strategy, market access, managed care, or financial oversight, our network provides immediate access to proven fractional leaders who can accelerate your success.

Ready to Explore the Fractional Advantage?
If your company needs senior-level expertise without the full-time price tag, Connexis Search Group can help.

📩 Contact Tony Bishop at tony@connexissearch.com to discuss how we can match your company with the right fractional executive to move your business forward.