Derek M. Tovar
Chandler,AZ
Summary
Senior Life Sciences Recruiting and Staffing Executive with a strong track record in business development, sales, account management, executive recruiting, and strategic client relationship management. Proven ability to develop new business, expand existing accounts, generate revenue, and build long-term partnerships with senior-level decision-makers and highly specialized consultants. Experienced in delivering top-tier talent across the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences industries throughout the United States and internationally. Driven by a consultative sales approach, strong market knowledge, and a commitment to building lasting client and candidate relationships that drive business growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior National Recruiter
Oxford Global Resources
Chandler, AZ
2016.06 - Current
- Led national recruiting and staffing for specialized life sciences professionals, managed candidate relationships, client requirements, full recruiting cycle, with focus on senior-level consultants supporting medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related organizations.
- Recruited 450+ life sciences professionals through multiple sourcing channels, strengthening talent pipeline for specialized roles.
- Placed 120+ consultants in contract assignments, contributing more than $22M in career sales and $6.6M in gross contribution.
- Worked with clients and internal sales teams to define technical needs and project scope, aligning consultant qualifications with role requirements.
- Built long-term relationships with specialized consultants, matched career goals with project needs, and identified suitable opportunities.
- Led and developed a strategic Associate Vendor program, establishing high-value partnerships with international talent firms to expand recruiting capabilities and deliver qualified global talent to U.S. clients.
- Developed and delivered recruiter training focused on Associate Vendor strategy, equipping recruiters with the skills to identify, develop, and strategically manage vendor partnerships that expand talent pipelines and drive recruiting success.
- Built deep market knowledge across medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, regulatory, quality engineering, validation, and compliance functions.
- Specialized in recruiting professionals with experience in equipment, process, test method, CSV, software, automation/controls, packaging, facility & utilities validation, quality engineering, design controls, FMEA, auditing, complaint handling, CAPA, MDR, risk management, regulatory affairs, PMA, 510(k), CE marking, CMC, product registrations, NDA/ANDA, quality assurance, sterilization, project management, analytical chemistry, GMP, GCP, and GXP.
- Two-time Presidents' Club qualifier, recognized as top-performing producer in 2019 and 2022.
- Selected for Oxford Global Resources Emerging Leaders Program and completed program in 2020.
Recruiter/Account Manager
Oxford Global Resources
Chandler, AZ
2013.12 - 2016.06
- Managed business development and client relationships within the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Biologics industries, identifying opportunities for specialized contract staffing and consulting services.
- Generated new business through proactive cold calling, prospecting, relationship development, and identification of contingent labor opportunities.
- Conducted consultative conversations with prospective and existing clients to understand business challenges, project requirements, staffing needs, and technical skill requirements.
- Developed relationships with Managers and Directors to identify project requirements and provide specialized consultants with FDA, Health Canada, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, and Compliance expertise.
- Negotiated bill rates and commercial terms with clients to establish mutually agreeable staffing arrangements.
- Managed the sales process from initial prospecting and opportunity identification through candidate placement and post-sale account support.
- Partnered closely with recruiting teams to identify, qualify, and present candidates aligned with client requirements.
- Supported post-sale execution and ongoing account management to strengthen client relationships and identify additional staffing opportunities.
- Maintained accurate client information, sales activity, opportunity details, and communication records within the CRM system.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management / Entrepreneurship
Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business
Skills
- Candidate sourcing and executive recruiting
- Business development and client acquisition
- Account management and contract negotiation
- Pipeline and CRM management
- Life sciences relationships
- Market development and consultative sales
- Strategic vendor management and planning
- Contract staffing
- Life sciences relationships
- Market development
- Consultative sales
- Strategic Vendor Development & Management
- Strategic planning
- Contract staffing
SALES & RECRUITING TECHNOLOGY
- Salesforce / TargetRecruit CRM
- Monster
- Indeed
- CareerBuilder
- Glassdoor
- Dice
- Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Senior National Recruiter
Oxford Global Resources
2016.06 - Current
Recruiter/Account Manager
Oxford Global Resources
2013.12 - 2016.06
Bachelor of Science - Business Management / Entrepreneurship
Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business