Vice President Clinical Development

BioTalent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BioTalent is seeking an Executive Director for Clinical Development in London. This senior leadership role involves guiding a clinical-stage programme at a biotechnology company focused on innovative therapies. Responsibilities include leading the clinical strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, and managing a high-performing team.

The ideal candidate should possess a medical degree, substantial drug development experience, and excellent stakeholder management skills. The position offers a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in drug development within biotech or pharmaceutical settings.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing therapies through clinical development.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, regulatory considerations, and translational science.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development strategy for a novel cell therapy programme across clinical stages.
• Drive programme planning, prioritisation, and execution to optimise development timelines and value.
• Design and oversee clinical studies, including protocols, endpoints, and operational delivery.

Skills

Leadership in drug development

Clinical trial design

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Medical degree (MD or equivalent)

Job description

Executive Director, Clinical Development

Location: London (hybrid)

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time

Overview

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a well-funded, clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative cell-based therapies. The organisation is developing a differentiated pipeline across areas of high unmet medical need, with a focus on translating cutting‑edge science into clinically meaningful outcomes.

You will play a central role in shaping and delivering a key clinical programme, working in a highly collaborative and fast‑paced environment at the intersection of research, clinical development, and manufacturing.

The Role

As Executive Director, Clinical Development, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and execution of a clinical-stage programme, guiding it from early development through to late-stage planning.

This position requires a strong scientific foundation, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively across cross‑functional teams. You will contribute to defining the development pathway, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and broader business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development strategy for a novel cell therapy programme across clinical stages
• Drive programme planning, prioritisation, and execution to optimise development timelines and value
• Design and oversee clinical studies, including protocols, endpoints, and operational delivery
• Provide medical and scientific oversight of clinical data, including safety and efficacy interpretation
• Contribute to longer‑term development planning, supporting future regulatory submissions
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including research, regulatory, CMC, and commercial functions
• Ensure integration of clinical and translational insights into development strategy
• Maintain awareness of the external scientific and competitive landscape
• Engage with external experts, investigators, and key stakeholders to inform programme development
• Represent the organisation in interactions with regulatory authorities and at scientific forums
• Build and lead a high‑performing clinical development team
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration

Key Requirements

• Medical degree (MD or equivalent)
• Significant experience in drug development within biotech or pharmaceutical settings
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing therapies through clinical development
• Experience in complex disease areas is advantageous but not essential
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, regulatory considerations, and translational science
• Ability to balance scientific innovation with strategic and commercial considerations
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills

If you are interested and would like to find out more details, please submit your application or reach out to [e-mail]