Head of Formulation Development - Drug Product (w/m/d)

Progressive Recruitment; München; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biopharmaceutical organization seeks an experienced CMC Lead Formulation Development to provide scientific, strategic, and people leadership within a cutting-edge R&D environment, driving formulation and process development for complex biologics including ADCs.

The role involves global program leadership from early development to commercialization, technology transfer across Europe, oversight of CTM manufacturing, and collaboration with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing,

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, or Engineering, or a Master’s with extensive industry experience.
• At least 10 years in formulation development, CMC, or biologics with leadership exposure.
• Proven track record leading regulatory submissions (INDs/NDAs/BLAs).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a senior formulation development team across global sites.
• Shape design, process development, and manufacturing strategy for complex biologics.
• Oversee technology transfer to internal sites and CDMOs in Europe.
• Drive CTM manufacturing oversight and lifecycle management for programs.

Skills

Leadership

CMC development

Biologics development

Regulatory submissions

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in related fields

Master’s with industry experience

Job description

Head of Formulation Development - Drug Product (w/m/d)

Location: Germany | Industry: Innovative Biopharmaceuticals | Leadership Level: Senior Management

A leading global biopharmaceutical organization is seeking an experienced CMC Lead Formulation Development to provide scientific, strategic, and people leadership within a cutting-edge research and development environment. This role offers the opportunity to drive formulation and process development for advanced biologics, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), while playing a key role in global development programs from early-stage development through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a highly skilled formulation development team, providing both technical and people leadership.
• Drive formulation design, process development, and manufacturing strategy for complex biologic products and novel therapeutic modalities.
• Establish robust manufacturing processes, control strategies, and product formulations to support successful clinical and commercial development.
• Lead technology transfer activities to internal manufacturing sites and external CDMO partners across Europe.
• Oversee clinical trial material (CTM) manufacturing activities and ensure execution in line with quality, regulatory, and project requirements.
• Support lifecycle management initiatives for commercial products and contribute to ongoing product optimization.
• Provide strategic CMC leadership for global development programs, including preparation and support of regulatory submissions such as INDs, NDAs, BLAs, and post-approval variations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary global teams across R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
• Develop and execute departmental strategies, annual operating plans, resource allocation, and performance objectives.
• Mentor and develop scientific talent while fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and innovative team culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline; alternatively a Master's degree with substantial relevant industry experience.
• Extensive pharmaceutical industry experience (typically 10+ years) in formulation development, CMC development, biologics development, or related functions.
• Proven track record in product development and successful advancement of pharmaceutical programs from development through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of global CMC requirements, formulation sciences, technology transfer, GMP regulations, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading major regulatory submissions, including BLA filings.
• Previous line management experience with responsibility for team development and performance management.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Experience operating successfully within complex global matrix organizations.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly innovative biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of next-generation therapies. The position offers significant strategic influence, international visibility, leadership responsibility, and the chance to shape the future of advanced medicines that address serious unmet medical needs worldwide.