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Experienced Life Sciences COOs, Engaged on Your Terms
A COO turns strategy into execution. In an early-stage life sciences company, that means running programs, vendors and timelines so the CEO and scientific team can focus on the science and the financing. BiotechExec places COOs who have operated in life sciences before, as advisors, consultants, fractional or interim leaders, or permanent hires, from a vetted network of 600+ executives.
The engagement is flexible. The experience is the same.
Last updated November 4, 2026
Ways to engage a COO
| Model | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Operating advisor | A seasoned operator advises the CEO on structure, vendors and execution, usually billed hourly. |
| Consulting project | A defined project, such as an operating plan, vendor review or grant application. |
| Fractional or interim COO | A COO runs operations on a recurring commitment, typically a monthly retainer, or full time for a period. |
| Permanent COO or President | A focused executive search through our network and trusted referrals. |
When to bring in an experienced COO
- The CEO is carrying day-to-day operations on top of fundraising and strategy.
- A venture group or board wants a portfolio company run more tightly.
- You are managing several vendors and workstreams, such as CROs, CMOs and consultants, without a clear owner.
- Grant applications and compliance need a dedicated lead.
- A President or COO may be the right long-term hire, and you want to prove the role first.
What a life sciences COO does for you
- Owns the operating plan, budgets and timelines.
- Manages cross-functional programs and external vendors.
- Builds the team, processes and quality systems the company needs at its stage.
- Prepares and submits grants and other non-dilutive funding applications.
- Supports fundraising strategy and investor readiness.
- Serves as the CEO's operating partner.
How this compares with a consulting firm or a search firm
A consulting firm typically sends a team to analyze and recommend. A BiotechExec COO is an executive who runs the work alongside your CEO. Compared with a retained search, a contract COO can start in weeks, and many convert to full-time.
Explore the Life Sciences Executives hub and the How we compare guide.
How the engagement is structured
Fractional and interim COO engagements typically run on a monthly retainer scoped to the time commitment, which often increases as the company grows. Either party may end the engagement on 30 days' notice, and many engagements convert to full-time.
FAQ
Are your COOs as experienced as a full-time COO?
Yes. They are seasoned operators who have run life sciences organizations. The engagement is flexible, but the experience is the same you would look for in a permanent hire.
What does a COO do in a biotech?
They run the operating plan: programs, vendors, timelines, budgets, team and compliance, so that the CEO and scientific leaders can focus on strategy, science and financing.
When do we need a COO versus a CEO?
A CEO sets direction and raises capital. A COO runs execution. Some companies use a President and COO who serves as operating lead and the CEO's partner.
Can the COO help us win grants?
Yes. Preparing and submitting grants and building a fundraising strategy are common parts of the scope.
Can a contract COO become full-time?
Yes. Conversion terms are agreed in writing, and discovery fees already paid are credited toward the placement fee.
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