The Best Oncology Opportunities Never Get Advertised
While you’re excelling in your current role, groundbreaking programs are being built, leadership positions are being filled, and career‑defining opportunities are happening—all through private networks.scover unparalleled oncology talent solutions to drive your advancements in the United Kingdom’s healthcare landscape.
Why Oncology Specialists Talk to Us
Even when you're not actively looking, these questions matter
Is Your Compensation Keeping Pace With the Market?
Oncology talent is in high demand. Salaries are rising. Equity packages are expanding. We track what companies are paying for your expertise across three continents—do you know your true worth?
Will Your Next Move Actually Advance Your Career?
One wrong move in oncology can cost you 2-3 years. A promising biotech that runs out of funding. A toxic leadership team. A trial program that's fundamentally flawed. We do the due diligence before you even interview—so you only see opportunities worth your time.
Are You Getting Advice or Just Being Sold a Job?
Generic recruiters push whatever role pays their commission. We're oncology specialists invested in your long-term success. If staying put is the right move, we'll tell you. If an opportunity isn't right, we'll say no before you waste your time.
Why Oncology Specialists Choose SSB
We're not generalist recruiters dabbling in life sciences. We're oncology specialists with 30+ years combined experience who live and breathe this space. We only do oncology. Nothing else.
Exclusive Opportunities
Access to roles that aren't advertised. We work directly with oncology biotech CEOs and boards who come to us first when building leadership teams.
Complete Confidentiality
Your current employer will never know you spoke to us unless you explicitly authorize us to present your profile. We protect your privacy absolutely.
OPPORTUNITIES WE REPRESENT
This represent the types of roles we work on. Specific opportunities change weekly as new companies raise funding and build teams.
Understanding Biotech Equity (The Part Big Pharma Executives Often Underestimate)
Most Big Pharma executives focus on base salary when evaluating biotech opportunities. That's a mistake. The real wealth creation comes from equity.
VP Level at Series B/C Biotech:
Equity Grant: 0.5-1.5% of company
Vesting: 4 years (25% year 1, then monthly)
Exit Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Acquisition at $300M (conservative)
Your 1% = $3M pre-tax
After 4 years vesting + taxes (40%) = ~$1.8M take-home
Scenario 2: Acquisition at $600M (realistic for strong program)
Your 1% = $6M pre-tax
After taxes = ~$3.6M take-home
Scenario 3: IPO + Acquisition at $1.2B (aggressive but possible)
Your 1% = $12M pre-tax
After taxes = ~$7.2M take-home
Comparison:
Big Pharma VP: £150-200k salary, 15-25% bonus, RSUs worth £50-100k/year = £3-4M over 10 years
Biotech VP: £140-180k salary, smaller bonus, but 0.75-1.25% equity = £2-7M at exit in 4-7 years
The Math:
If the biotech succeeds, you make 2-5x more in half the time. If it fails, you've spent 3-4 years building valuable experience and can return to Big Pharma or join another biotech at higher comp.
Questions Oncology Executives Ask Us
What if the biotech runs out of money?
This is the #1 concern. We only work with biotechs that have 18-24+ months of runway and clear line of sight to next financing milestone. We review:
Cash balance and burn rate
Clinical milestones that unlock next funding
VC backing quality (top-tier vs. second-tier)
Leadership team track record
Scientific differentiation
We reject 60-70% of companies that approach us because they don't meet our bar.
How do I know if it's the right scientific program?
We help you evaluate:
Mechanism of action differentiation
Clinical data quality (even if early)
Competitive landscape (how crowded is this space?)
KOL opinions (what do academic oncologists think?)
Patent strength and freedom to operate
We can facilitate calls with KOLs, review your read-through of data, and give you honest feedback on program quality.
Will taking a biotech role hurt my career if it fails?
No. Big Pharma actively recruits biotech executives who've navigated early-stage clinical development, small team leadership, and resource-constrained environments. You become MORE valuable, not less.
If the biotech doesn't work out, you can:
Return to Big Pharma at Director+ level with expanded experience
Join another biotech at higher comp (you're now "proven")
Move into consulting or advisory roles
The only risk is if you join a biotech with obvious red flags (which we help you avoid).
How long does it take to find the right opportunity?
3-12 months typically. You're not job hunting—you're strategically evaluating opportunities as they emerge. Some executives connect with the perfect role in week 1. Others wait 6-9 months for the right fit.
We stay in touch, send opportunities as they come up, and you say "yes" when something is compelling.
Ready to Explore What's Out There?
Book a confidential 20-minute call. No pressure. No job pitch. Just honest conversation about your career, the market, and whether there's something better than where you are now. Your current employer will never know. Completely confidential.