Our Approach
We began with a detailed alignment process focused on understanding the ideal candidate profile, and priority.
Working closely with Anthos Leadership, we defined the capabilities, behaviours, and leadership profile required to succeed in a fast-moving and high-accountability environment. We clarified what success looked like across Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF, and aligned hiring priorities to Phase III milestones.
A clear Statement of Work was agreed, setting out deliverables, timelines, and direct access to the leadership team. This allowed for fast decision-making, tight feedback loops, and a highly focused search strategy.
Execution
For every role, Elixir delivered a minimum of six highly relevant candidates within four weeks or less. Every appointment was made from the initial shortlist.
Our key point of contact was Sharon Arnold – SVP Development Operations. In her role, Sharon led and integrated Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Clinical Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF.
As the organisation scaled, Elixir partnered with Anthos to build a high-performing clinical and development organisation, delivering hires across the following roles:
- Director, Clinical Program Lead
- Executive Director, Clinical Operations
- Executive Director, Head of Biostatistics and Data Analytics
- Head of Clinical Quality Management
- Director, Clinical Supply Management
- Senior Manager, Site Management
- Associate Director, Clinical Trial Management
- Head of Statistical Programming
- Senior Clinical Trial Associate
- Senior Clinical Trial Manager
- Senior Clinical Trial Manager
- TMF Subject Matter Expert
Outcome
The leadership team assembled during this period re-established control over trial execution, improved site engagement, and accelerated patient enrolment.
Anthos progressed its programs with renewed operational confidence and ultimately achieved a successful acquisition by Novartis for $3.1bn.
The team built during this phase played a critical role in positioning the business to be acquisition-ready on both the clinical and operational fronts.
Client Perspective
I was very impressed with the Elixir team, working closely with Jake Couldrick on all critical hires. He understood my priorities and the skills and fit that I was looking for. He and his team were very responsive and timely. I was extremely happy with the quality of the candidates— we had excellent hires from Elixir. Our success as a Clinical Operations team was due to our partnership with Elixir.
Sharon Arnold
SVP Development Operations, Anthos Therapeutics
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Partnering with Anthos to Build a High-Performing Clinical Organisation
Working closely with leadership, we defined the capabilities, behaviours, and leadership profile required to succeed in a fast-moving and high-accountability environment. We clarified what success looked like across Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF, and aligned hiring priorities to Phase III milestones.
A Chief Medical Officer needed to make their first internal hire at Head of Clinical Operations. Later, after moving to a new company, they required a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs after another search partner stalled for two months.
“Jake was exceptionally strong in our initial discussions. He quickly understood the role, the calibre of talent required, and the culture we were building.”
Our Approach
We began with a detailed alignment discussion to understand the commercial driver behind the hire, the milestones at risk, and what success truly looked like in the role.
We clarified the story and timing that would resonate with senior leaders, the behaviours needed to thrive in this environment, and the non negotiables that would ultimately predict performance. We also defined how the hire needed to influence clinical progress, cross functional alignment, and investor confidence.
This insight allowed us to build a focused, high impact search strategy and deliver a tightly curated shortlist aligned to capability, culture, and the company’s next inflection point.
“He was constantly attuned to feedback and applied it immediately. Each new profile reflected exactly what we had discussed.”
“He represented our story clearly and kept top candidates engaged right through to offer.”
Outcome
- The Clinical Operations hire was identified on day one and, after full market comparison, selected as the final appointment. This level of accuracy reflected deep market knowledge, a clear understanding of the company’s goals, and the judgement that comes from knowing which leaders can truly deliver at this stage.
- The Regulatory search was completed in under a month following two months of stagnation with another partner.
- Clear communication, consistent engagement, and balanced offer development led to a smooth and confident acceptance.
“Across two other search partners and a public posting, we reviewed around fifty candidates. The person we hired was the one Jake highlighted on day one.”
“He partnered with us to build an offer that worked for both the company and the candidate.”
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Partnering with Anthos to Build a High-Performing Clinical Organisation
Working closely with leadership, we defined the capabilities, behaviours, and leadership profile required to succeed in a fast-moving and high-accountability environment. We clarified what success looked like across Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF, and aligned hiring priorities to Phase III milestones.
Our Approach
We began with a detailed alignment process focused on understanding the commercial and clinical risk behind each hire.
Working closely with leadership, we defined the capabilities, behaviours, and leadership profile required to succeed in a fast-moving and high-accountability environment. We clarified what success looked like across Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF, and aligned hiring priorities to Phase III milestones.
A clear Statement of Work was agreed, setting out deliverables, timelines, and direct access to the leadership team. This allowed for fast decision-making, tight feedback loops, and a highly focused search strategy.
Execution
For every role, Elixir delivered a minimum of six highly relevant candidates within four weeks or less. Every appointment was made from the initial shortlist.
A pivotal hire was the appointment of Sharon Arnold as SVP Development Operations. In this role, Sharon led and integrated Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Clinical Quality, Supply Chain, and TMF.
As the organisation scaled, Elixir partnered with Anthos to build a high-performing clinical and development organisation, delivering hires across the following roles:
- Director, Clinical Program Lead
- Executive Director, Clinical Operations
- Executive Director, Head of Biostatistics and Data Analytics
- Head of Clinical Quality Management
- Director, Clinical Supply Management
- Senior Manager, Site Management
- Associate Director, Clinical Trial Management
- Head of Statistical Programming
- Senior Clinical Trial Associate
- Senior Clinical Trial Manager
- Senior Clinical Trial Manager
- TMF Subject Matter Expert
Outcome
The leadership team assembled during this period re-established control over trial execution, improved site engagement, and accelerated patient enrolment.
Anthos progressed its programs with renewed operational confidence and ultimately achieved a successful acquisition by Novartis for $3.1bn.
The team built during this phase played a critical role in positioning the business to be acquisition-ready on both the clinical and operational fronts.
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Securing Senior Clinical Leadership Under Time Pressure
A Chief Medical Officer needed to make their first internal hire at Head of Clinical Operations. Later, after moving to a new company, they required a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs after another search partner stalled for two months.