HED · 2 weeks ago
Sector Leader - Life Science
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$190K/yr - $230K/yr
10+ years expHED is looking to add an experienced person to our Sector Leadership team. The Life Science Sector Leader is responsible for driving the strategic vision, growth, and operational excellence of the Life Sciences design practice within the organization.
Consulting
Responsibilities
Define and execute the practice’s strategic plan aligned with corporate goals
Establish design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks for life science projects
Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and innovation
Develop and implement a design vision that aligns with the biotech company’s mission to accelerate scientific breakthroughs
Establish best practices for facility design that optimize flexibility, scalability, and sustainability for biotech operations
Stay ahead of emerging trends in cell and gene therapy, biologics manufacturing, and regulatory compliance
Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver world-class biotech facilities
Lead design proposals for new labs, pilot plants, and GMP manufacturing spaces tailored to biotech needs
Represent the company at biotech industry forums and thought leadership events
Build and maintain strong client relationships to expand market share in the life sciences sector
Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and lead proposal efforts
Represent the practice at industry conferences, events, and thought leadership forums
Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy with the Science and Technology team for the life sciences sector aligned with corporate objectives
Identify emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes to position the company as an industry leader
Define target markets, service offerings, and go-to-market strategies to drive revenue growth
Oversee design execution for complex biotech facilities, ensuring compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and global standards
Integrate advanced technologies such as modular cleanrooms, single-use systems, and digital design tools (BIM)
Ensure designs support innovation, operational efficiency, and rapid scale-up for clinical and commercial production
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design teams across architecture, engineering, and process disciplines
Ensure projects meet client expectations for functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness
Build a High-Performing Team: Recruit top talent with expertise in biotech facility design, including architects, engineers, and process specialists
Provide structured mentorship programs and individualized development plans to help team members advance their technical and leadership skills
Create an environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork between design, operations, and regulatory teams to deliver integrated solutions
Promote a culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring the team stays ahead of biotech industry trends
Set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability measures for team members, and conduct regular performance reviews to drive excellence
Implement ongoing training programs focused on GMP compliance, emerging biotech technologies, and digital design tools (e.g., BIM, Revit)
Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects, balancing workload and maintaining efficiency
Identify and groom future leaders within the practice to support succession planning and long-term growth
Serve as the internal advocate for the life sciences sector, ensuring alignment across design, engineering, and delivery teams
Collaborate with business leaders, practice leaders and project managers to deliver integrated solutions that meet client expectations
Provide market insights and guidance to inform project strategies and innovation initiatives
Set and monitor sector performance metrics, including revenue, profitability, and market share
Develop annual business plans and budgets for the sector
Ensure compliance with corporate policies and industry regulations
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
10+ years of experience in life sciences facility design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Deep knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory requirements
Proven track record in business development and client relationship management
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Exceptional business development, client relationship, and strategic planning skills
Preferred
Experience with advanced technologies such as modular design, cleanroom systems, and sustainability practices
Familiarity with digital design tools (BIM, Revit) and data-driven design approaches
Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors
Strong communication and presentation skills for executive-level engagement
Company
HED
At HED, we believe great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about solving complex challenges, enriching communities, and building a better future.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Enrique Suarez
Principal | CEO
Gary Skog, FAIA, LEED AP
Chief Executive Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase