Fractional CEO

Job description

Job Title: Fractional CEO (3 Days per Week)

Location: Cambridge Area, UK (Hybrid Working)

Sector: Clinical Trials, Medical Research & Distribution

Contract Type: Fractional / Part-Time (3 days per week)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Fractional CEO to lead and guide a Cambridge-based organisation operating across clinical trials, medical research services, and specialist medical distribution.

This is a hands-on strategic leadership role suited to an accomplished executive who can operate at both board and operational level, helping the business evolve its structure, strengthen its commercial capability, and position itself for long-term growth.

Working closely with the Board and senior leadership team, the Fractional CEO will help shape the organisation’s strategy, improve operational effectiveness, and align the company’s clinical research, trial delivery, and distribution capabilities.

This is a hybrid role, requiring regular presence in the Cambridge area alongside remote working.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a clear strategic roadmap aligned with the company’s growth ambitions.
• Work closely with the Board to define strategic priorities, investment focus, and organisational direction.
• Position the business to expand its presence across clinical research, trial services, and specialist distribution markets.

Business Transformation

• Assess and refine the operating model across research, clinical trials, and distribution functions.
• Introduce improved structures, governance, and operational processes to support sustainable growth.
• Establish performance frameworks, KPIs, and management reporting to drive accountability and transparency.

Commercial Development

• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, partnerships, and service expansion within the clinical and medical research ecosystem.
• Strengthen relationships with research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and healthcare organisations.
• Support the development of a robust commercial strategy and pipeline.

Leadership & Organisational Development

• Provide clear leadership and direction to the senior management team.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture across the organisation.
• Mentor and develop internal leaders to strengthen the organisation’s long-term capability.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Board and key stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and regular updates.
• Ensure strong governance, regulatory awareness, and operational discipline across the business.
• Represent the organisation with external partners, industry bodies, and strategic collaborators

Key Experience & Skills

• Proven experience as a CEO, Managing Director, or senior executive within:
• Clinical research organisations (CROs)
• Life sciences or medical research environments
• Healthcare distribution or specialist supply chain businesses
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational transformation, scale-up, or strategic repositioning.
• Strong understanding of the clinical trials ecosystem and healthcare regulatory landscape.
• Experience working closely with boards, investors, and senior stakeholders.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to identify growth opportunities and drive execution.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management capability.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong practical execution skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fractional executive capacity.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and able to build credibility quickly.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise effectively within a part-time leadership structure.

Working Arrangement

• 3 days per week commitment
• Hybrid working model, with regular presence in the Cambridge area
• Opportunity to play a long-term strategic leadership role in a growing life sciences organisation

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Cambridge

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

10-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English