Chief Executive Officer

EPM Scientific; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 131,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity-backed drug discovery organisation is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead its growth and innovation. The CEO will define the strategic vision, drive operational excellence, and position the organisation as a leader in drug discovery. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors, a strong background in scaling companies, and adeptness in stakeholder management. This role offers remote or hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or drug discovery sector.
• Proven track record of scaling organisations and driving revenue growth.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the company's long-term strategy.
• Drive organisational performance across R&D and commercial functions.
• Identify and secure strategic partnerships to accelerate pipeline development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

PhD, MD, or MBA

Job description

Job Title : Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location : Europe (Remote or Hybrid)

Industry : Drug Discovery- Contract Research Organisation

About the Role :

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead a private equity-backed drug discovery organisation through its next phase of growth and innovation. The CEO will be responsible for defining and executing the company's strategic vision, driving operational excellence, and positioning the organisation as a leader in the drug discovery space. This role requires a proven leader with deep industry expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to scale a business in partnership with investors and scientific teams.

Key Responsibilities :

• Strategic Leadership : Define and implement the company's long-term strategy in alignment with investor objectives and market opportunities.
• Operational Oversight : Drive organisational performance across R&D, commercial, and corporate functions to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
• Investor Relations : Act as the primary liaison with private equity partners, providing transparent reporting and delivering on agreed value creation plans.
• Business Development : Identify and secure strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, and collaborations to accelerate pipeline development and commercialisation.
• Team Leadership : Build and inspire a high-performing executive team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Market Positioning : Represent the company externally with key stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and industry bodies, to enhance brand reputation and market presence.

Requirements :

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline (PhD, MD, MBA preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or drug discovery sector, including C-suite or senior executive roles.
• Those with experience in the Discovery market holding CCO / CBO / CEO titles will be preferred
• Proven track record of scaling organisations, driving revenue growth, and delivering successful exits or value creation in a private equity or investor-backed environment.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are advantageous.
• Comfortable with US and EU travel.