Watchmaker Genomics commercial recruitment
case study

Discover how SRC-Search helped Watchmaker Genomics scale its commercial team with four field sales hires across two continents in 11 months.

Watchmaker Genomics NGS library preparation kits and enzyme reagents

The client

Watchmaker Genomics

Watchmaker Genomics is a Colorado-based biotech company pioneering high-performance enzyme engineering for genomics, molecular diagnostics, and synthetic biology. Founded with a mission to push the boundaries of what enzymes can do in nucleic acid workflows, Watchmaker has built a portfolio that has rapidly become a reference point for performance-driven NGS labs and product developers worldwide.

The company’s product range spans DNA and RNA library preparation kits, precision enzymes for amplification and modification, and complete next-generation sequencing solutions. Recent innovations have pushed Watchmaker into some of the most exciting frontiers in molecular biology – epigenetics, single-cell analysis, and cell-free DNA – making the company a strategic partner for both research and clinical applications.

Watchmaker reached profitability within two years of its first product launch, an unusually rapid trajectory in a capital-intensive sector. Recent additions to the portfolio include TAPS+ for multimodal oncology applications and the Stellar RT-qPCR and qPCR kits, extending the company’s molecular diagnostics offering. With a growing footprint across North America and Europe, Watchmaker is building the commercial infrastructure to match the reach of its science.

At a Glance

Challenge:

  • As Watchmaker expanded its commercial footprint across Europe and the US, the company needed to hire experienced field sales professionals across multiple territories: France, the UK/Nordics, and the US Northeast and Mid-Atlantic/Southeast.

Our strategy:

  • Built a longlist of NGS-experienced commercial professionals across all four target territories, screened against three non-negotiables: NGS workflow fluency, a life-sciences tools field sales track record, and territory-specific account history.
  • Prioritised passive candidates already embedded at competing reagent and platform companies, accessed through SRC’s specialist network in the -omics space.
  • Calibrated each shortlist against Watchmaker’s full hiring bar: cultural fit, commercial instinct, genuine interest in the science, and an awareness that every hire shapes the company’s commercial DNA at this stage of growth.
  • Maintained tight feedback loops with hiring managers across both continents, with a single point of accountability to ensure consistency and momentum across all four searches. 
watchmaker logo
Watchmaker Genomics NGS library preparation kits and enzyme reagents

Results

In 11 months, SRC placed four commercial professionals across two continents – two in Europe (France and the UK/Nordics) and two in the US (Northeast and Mid-Atlantic/Southeast). Four briefs, four hires. Every search closed successfully, and every hire is still in seat – a 100% retention rate that speaks to the precision of the matching, not just the speed of the placement.

Together, these hires give Watchmaker full coverage of the US East Coast and a strengthening field presence across Europe, building the commercial foundation the company needs to scale revenue, deepen customer relationships, and meet the rising demand for its NGS portfolio. Each hire arrived productive: with established relationships in their territories and the technical depth to engage Watchmaker’s scientific buyers from day one.

The collaboration is ongoing. A fifth search is already underway, expanding into the DACH region – reflecting the continued trust Watchmaker places in SRC-Search and the natural next step in their European expansion. As Watchmaker’s commercial reach grows, SRC remains the recruitment partner anchoring that growth.

👉 Discover more case studies showcasing how SRC-Search partners with pioneering biotech companies in genomics to scale their commercial and support teams worldwide.

Working with SRC-Search was a great experience. The team took the time to understand all of my requirements and continually refined the candidate pool to ensure strong alignment. They maintained regular check-ins throughout the process, offered clear context and thoughtful rationale for each candidate, and remained consistently responsive

Lindsay Wold

|

VP, North America Sales, Watchmaker Genomics 

I’ve really appreciated your responsiveness, professionalism, and proactive approach in reaching out to a wide range of candidates. Your support has been instrumental in helping us secure strong candidates who are a great fit for the business.

Amy Liu

|

Commercial Director, EMEA, Watchmaker Genomics

SRC Search has been a strong partner, demonstrating effective collaboration and close alignment throughout the hiring process. Over the past year, our collaboration and strong support from Bert, Iraklis, and the team resulted in four successful hires, driven by consistent effort and a focus on delivering high-quality candidate placements. Their persistence and determination were evident in their steady commitment to achieving results.

Rebecca Stallworth

|

VP, People & Culture, Watchmaker Genomics 

3

Hires placed in 11 months

3 +

Professionals presented by SRC for each role

93 %

Retention rate

Bert Founder

Reach out to Bert

-Omics Recruitment Team Lead, Global

Reach out to tom