Executive Director - Translational Pharmacology | M/W/D

Job Summary

We are seeking an Executive Director, Translational Pharmacology for our Discovery business.

The Executive Director of Translational Pharmacology will be responsible for a global, multidisciplinary team based across several sites in the US and Europe. This senior role requires direct and indirect line management and overall responsibility for the successful delivery of all projects within the group. The disciplines covered by Translational Pharmacology includes in vivo pharmacology across therapeutic areas, and stand-alone DMPK and transporters. The role is a strategic position and requires both internal and external presence across the globe. The Executive Director Translational Pharmacology will be expected to work seamlessly with their colleagues across the Discovery and Safety (DSA) organizations and with international clients to bring in new business. 

The role reports to the Global Head of Discovery and as such is pivotal in the overall leadership of the Discovery organization. Working closely with other members of the senior team will be required to ensure successful delivery of the overall Discovery objectives.

The following are responsibilities related to the Executive Director, Translational Pharmacology:

• Provide vision, direction, and strong leadership of Translational Pharmacology to foster cooperation and internal synergies across sites. Develop and nurture scientific and discipline excellence to further develop Translational Pharmacology and to scientifically advance Discovery as a whole.
• Develop short-term and long-term strategic plans to maximize the growth and profitability of Translational Pharmacology and partner with senior leadership to develop long-term strategic business plans for Discovery. Conduct due diligence activities as required and recommend on potential partnerships and M&A.
• Oversee the establishment and tracking of key performance objectives for management, R&D, scientific, and operations functions and personnel within Translational Pharmacology. Achieve efficient/optimum resource utilization and work collaboratively with other groups to ensure the department and projects are properly resourced, supported and deliver to pre-defined scientific objectives, budget, and timelines. 
• Contribute to the development of major business proposals for key clients and represent the site(s) and company as required. Represent the Company on assigned Joint Steering Committees with key clients. Ensure client expectations are met and any issues involving execution or reporting are resolved in a way that maximizes client satisfaction. Working with direct and indirect reports, maintain a high level of integrity for all aspects of the customer experience within Translational Pharmacology.
• Develop, implement and manage a program that will continually review processes to ensure that they are efficient and maximize the use of all applicable resources. Where appropriate, harmonize and integrate activities across the various sites, ensuring that synergies are gained, and communications are managed to ensure a seamless interface and delivery to the client.
• Partner with Human Resources regarding issues and business decisions affecting personnel, including the development of policies and job descriptions, employment actions (hiring, promotions, compensation, disciplinary actions, etc. Oversee the development of a departmental plan for backup and succession of key departmental personnel.
• Work collaboratively with the finance business partner and peers to ensure Translational Pharmacology is contributing as required to overall Discovery goals. Review and approve budgets. Authorize expenditures in accordance with budget (including capital investments and ROI analysis). Approve budget and expenses of subordinates.

Profile and Requirements

The following are qualifications related to the Executive Director, Translational Pharmacology position:

• Education: Minimum Degree level (BSc) within relevant discipline, higher degree (MSc/PhD) preferred. 
• Experience:  Substantial related management experience in research or pharmaceutical environment. Extensive drug discovery/development experience in industry, preferably across a range of therapeutic areas. Must have broad experience of management, mentoring, and providing scientific direction to scientists within project teams. Drug discovery experience through to clinical candidate nomination and early development is highly desired.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure:  No specific certifications or licensure required
• Other:  Understanding of governmental regulations and guidelines applicable to the care and use of laboratory animals.  Knowledge of quality standards and other FDA regulations applicable to non-clinical testing programs. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.  Excellent communication (both written and verbal), leadership and negotiation skills.  Ability to interact appropriately with all levels of employees, while at the same time support the efforts of departmental teams. Entrepreneurial attitude with a strong financial acumen.