Head of Laboratory - Formulation Development (w/m/d)
Location: Germany | Industry: Innovative Biopharmaceuticals | Leadership Level: Senior Management
A leading global biopharmaceutical organization is seeking an experienced Head of Formulation Development Lab 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.