Head of R&D

Invenia Search has partnered with an international CDMO to hire a Head of R&D for its Drug Substance Business Unit. The role leads talented teams across multiple sites and combines chemistry, strategy and commercial thinking to deliver a wide range of R&D services to customers. This role is based in Groningen, The Netherlands.

Role Responsibilities:

You will define and deliver the R&D strategy across multiple sites, acting as the link between research, production and commercial teams and the main point of contact for R&D, internally and externally.

• Define, implement and monitor the R&D strategy in line with Business Unit and Group objectives

• Drive innovation in API development and GMP production by combining synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering, optimising routes, process design and scale-up for robustness, safety and manufacturability

• Coordinate R&D activities across sites, with consistent standards, communication and project governance, and deliver projects within agreed deadlines

• Act as the primary technical lead for CDMO activities, internally and with clients, supporting proposal development and project acquisition

• Assess the feasibility of potential CDMO projects together with the Head of Business Development

• Own the R&D portfolio and project management, leading initiatives from scoping through to milestone delivery across the stage gate process

• Work with Business Development, Operations, Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure smooth technology transfer and scale-up

• Build, mentor and develop high-performing teams across sites, with a culture of accountability and innovation

• Ensure GMP, SHE and quality compliance across all projects and sites

• Track market and scientific trends to identify new opportunities and shape innovation proposals

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an organic chemist with senior R&D leadership experience and a commercial, solution-focused approach.

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field

• A commercially driven, entrepreneurial and pragmatic mindset, with a focus on finding solutions

• In-depth understanding of API manufacturing processes

• Solid knowledge of GMP and GDP guidelines and a strong affinity with the pharmaceutical industry

• CDMO experience is preferred

• Portfolio, programme and project management experience in an R&D setting (PMP or P3O preferred)

• Excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus

• Fluent English; additional languages are a plus

Sound Interesting? If you are looking for a senior leadership role where science and commercial results go hand in hand, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today.