Chief Executive Officer

EPM Scientific; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity-backed drug discovery organization seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to drive growth and innovation. The CEO will craft and implement a strategic vision, ensuring operational excellence while engaging investors and scientific teams. Ideal candidates will possess 15+ years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry along with a proven ability to scale businesses successfully. This role demands exceptional stakeholder management and a strong understanding of drug discovery processes. The position is open for hybrid or remote work across Europe.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or drug discovery sector.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, regulatory pathways, and commercialisation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the company's long-term strategy.
• Drive organisational performance across R&D, commercial, and corporate functions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline (PhD, MD, MBA preferred)

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.