How It Works

We have been tracking the performance of top candidates for twenty-five years. The majority of mid-to senior-level candidates in our targeted functions are part of the Hillcrest network and ready for immediate consideration and evaluation.

Once initiated, a search process takes 8-12 weeks:

Weeks 1-2 – Kick-off interview with hiring manager and HR/talent acquisition contact. Development of promotional copy outlining open positions and hiring companies. This material serves as an initial contact with prospective and qualified candidates for a position in the hiring company. The time and effort spent on this part of the search effort is often a decisive part of the process. A majority of candidates will decide on whether to pursue a new opportunity based on the quality of initial contact from the recruitment representative. This material includes the following elements:

• Introduction and overview of open position and company.

• Detailed company history.

• An overview of the hiring company’s product portfolio, pipeline, and strategy.

• Information on competitor companies and dynamics.

• Detail on key people and leadership.

• Buzz, trends, and current/recent events at the hiring company.

• Detailed position description.

Weeks 2-6 – Screening interviews with top candidates for the open position. Presentation of candidate résumés to the hiring company. Selection of lead candidates for on-site interviews at the hiring company.

Weeks 4-8 – On-site candidate interviews with the hiring manager and team. Post-interview discussions with the hiring manager and/or HR manager to evaluate and prioritize active candidates.

Weeks 9-10 – Selection of lead candidate. Reference and background checks. Offer.

Weeks 11-12 – Offer acceptance and start date scheduled. 

James Yerrill is Managing Director, Life Sciences with Hillcrest Executive Search, a role which he has held since 2003. His focus is on executive recruitment for companies in the biopharmaceutical, medical device, and life science investment industries.

Mr. Yerrill started his career in sports and entertainment talent management with SFX Sports Group, a division of Clear Channel Communications. At SFX, he advanced the careers of professional and Olympic athletes, as well as television sports and news broadcasters. In 1999, he transitioned into Executive Recruitment working with Hawkes Peers & Co., a retained executive search firm in New York City. Since that time, he has been partnering with biopharmaceutical and medical device companies on the recruitment of top-tier candidates for R&D and commercial leadership positions.

James was born in Toyko, Japan and grew up in Pelham, New York. He graduated from New York University in 1994 and is currently based in Boynton Beach, Florida.