Clinical Development Lead Placement for a Rare Paediatric Disease Programme

Barrington James partnered with an established biopharmaceutical client to deliver a Clinical Development Lead for a rare paediatric disease programme focused on Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI).

Following a successful prior placement, we were re-engaged as a trusted partner to support a critical new clinical development initiative. The requirement called for specialist expertise in paediatric clinical development, combined with the ability to lead within a highly niche and scientifically complex environment.

The Challenge

This was a highly targeted search within a constrained and competitive talent market.

The client required a profile with proven experience in paediatric clinical development, ideally within rare disease or orphan drug programmes, alongside a track record of leading clinical development projects.

A key challenge was identifying the right level of seniority. The successful individual needed to operate autonomously and provide leadership, while remaining hands-on and closely involved in programme delivery. Profiles that were too senior risked being removed from execution, while more junior candidates lacked the required strategic oversight.

Compounding this, the role had been live internally for two months without success, highlighting both the scarcity of suitable talent and the complexity of the brief.

Our Approach

Operating on an exclusive basis, Barrington James implemented a targeted and consultative search strategy focused on quality over volume.

We conducted detailed talent mapping across Europe, identifying professionals with experience in rare disease clinical development and paediatric programmes. Particular emphasis was placed on individuals who combined scientific expertise with demonstrable leadership in clinical development settings.

Within five days, we delivered a curated shortlist of seven high-quality profiles, carefully selected to reflect a range of experience levels. This allowed the client to assess the optimal balance between hands-on delivery and strategic leadership.

Following submission, five profiles progressed to interview, with two advancing through a comprehensive multi-stage process involving senior clinical and medical stakeholders across international teams.

Results & Client Impact

The outcome of the process significantly exceeded the original brief.

Both final-stage profiles demonstrated exceptional alignment, each offering distinct and complementary strengths. One brought direct experience within the target indication, while the other contributed extensive leadership across rare disease clinical development programmes.

Faced with two outstanding options, the client made the strategic decision to extend offers to both profiles, creating an additional role to accommodate the second hire. This resulted in the appointment of a Clinical Programme Lead to drive execution, alongside a senior strategic consultant providing high-level oversight and guidance.

From initial search to offer, the full process was completed in approximately three weeks, ensuring the client could maintain momentum on a time-critical clinical development programme.

Beyond successfully filling the original requirement, this outcome enabled the client to strengthen their overall team structure, combining both executional and strategic expertise within the programme. The ability to secure two high-impact hires not only accelerated delivery but also enhanced long-term capability within a highly specialised therapeutic area.

This engagement reflects Barrington James’ ability to deliver specialist clinical development talent in complex, niche markets—supporting not just hiring needs, but broader organisational objectives within rare disease and paediatric clinical programmes.

Client Feedback

Post-placement feedback has been highly positive.

Both profiles have integrated quickly into the organisation, with strong internal engagement and immediate impact:

• One profile has rapidly established themselves as a key contributor within the team, demonstrating both capability and adaptability
• The second profile has been recognised as a trusted strategic partner, operating at a senior peer level within the organisation

The client expressed strong satisfaction with both the process and outcome, reinforcing Barrington James as a trusted partner for future critical hires.

Building your clinical development team in a competitive market?

Partner with Barrington James to access specialist talent across rare disease and paediatric clinical development.

https://www.barringtonjames.com/looking-to-hire/