Principal Consultant

Principal Consultant

Hays Life Sciences is a global leader in specialist recruitment, partnering with biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device organizations across the U.S. We support high-growth, venture-backed companies as well as established industry leaders, delivering talent across Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, and Commercial functions.

With a strong presence in Boston and across key U.S. life sciences hubs, we are expanding our leadership team and are seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to build and scale a high-performing recruitment desk.

Your New Role

You will be a player-coach role, responsible for both driving revenue through personal billings and leading, mentoring, and growing a team of recruitment consultants within the Life Sciences vertical. This role is ideal for a top-performing recruiter in the life sciences space who is ready to step into a more strategic, leadership-focused position while maintaining a hands-on approach to business development and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Develop and grow relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical clients, with a focus on clinical-stage and venture-backed organizations
• Drive new business generation through targeted outreach, referrals, and market mapping
• Position Hays as a strategic talent partner across permanent and contract hiring needs

Recruitment Delivery

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes for mid-to-senior level roles within Life Sciences
• Maintain a strong network of clinical, medical, and regulatory professionals
• Ensure a high-quality candidate and client experience throughout the hiring lifecycle

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of recruiters, driving performance, activity, and revenue growth
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new consultants
• Set clear goals and KPIs aligned with business objectives

Strategic Growth

• Identify market trends and hiring patterns within Life Sciences and Biotech
• Build and scale a profitable desk or vertical, with accountability for P&L performance
• Collaborate with leadership on expansion strategies across key therapeutic areas

What You'll Need to Succeed

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience with a background in Life Sciences recruitment (agency experience required)
• Demonstrated success in business development and client acquisition
• Experience managing full recruitment lifecycle across clinical, medical, or regulatory roles
• Prior leadership or mentoring experience preferred (formal or informal)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of the U.S. life sciences market, particularly biotech
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of building and scaling a desk
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment

What you will get

• We offer base compensation of $64,400 with an annual recoverable draw of $19,500
• Hybrid/flexible schedule with three days in office.
• PTO starting at 22 days, 2 floating holidays and 2 volunteer days.
• Competitively priced medical, vision and dental plans to choose what works best for you.
• 401K with guaranteed match and fast-paced vesting schedule.
• Initial and continuous training & support from Learning & Development for your professional growth.

What you need to do now

Excited yet? If you're already itching to take the next step to achieving your career goals, apply now.