Head of Research And Development

Invenia; Groningen; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Invenia in the Netherlands seeks a Head of R&D to lead the Drug Substance business unit's research strategy, bridging science, production and commercial aims. You will define the R&D roadmap, drive API development, and oversee technology transfer across sites to deliver scalable solutions.

You will coordinate cross-site R&D activities, ensure GMP/GDP compliance, mentor high-performing teams, and act as the technical lead in client discussions and proposals to secure new CDMO projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Strong commercially driven, entrepreneurial, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience in a CDMO environment is preferred.
• Affinity with the pharmaceutical industry, with solid knowledge of GMP and GDP guidelines.
• In-depth understanding of API manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication abilities and customer orientation.
• Portfolio, Program & Project management in R&D environment (PMP or P30 preferred).
• Fluency in English, additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation in API development and GMP production through integration of synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering — optimizing routes, process design, and scale-up for robustness, safety, and manufacturability.
• Coordinate R&D activities across multiple sites, ensuring consistent standards, communication, and project governance, ensuring delivery of projects within agreed deadlines and commitments.
• Act as the primary technical lead for the CDMO activities, both internally and in client discussions, supporting proposal development and project acquisition.
• Accountable for R&D portfolio, programs & project management discipline, leading all R&D initiatives from scoping to execution and delivery of milestones across the stage gate process.
• Define, implement, and monitor the R&D strategy aligned with Business Unit and Group objectives.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to secure seamless technology transfer. Build, inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing cross-site teams with a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Ensure GMP, SHE, and quality compliance across all projects and sites.
• Monitor market and scientific trends to identify new opportunities and steer innovation proposals.

Skills

Commercially driven mindset

Entrepreneurial mindset

Solution oriented

Communication skills

Customer orientation

Portfolio/Program/Project management

English fluent

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

As Head of R&D, you will take on the dynamic combination of a scientific, entrepreneurial, strategic leadership role in the Drug Substance Business Unit. We are looking for an expert who ensures coordination of R&D activities and evaluation of the feasibility of potential CDMO projects together with the Head of Business Development. In this role, you will be the point of contact internally and externally regarding the R&D activities. You will define and execute the R&D strategy across multiple sites, ensuring full alignment with business objectives while driving scientific and operational excellence. Acting as the bridge between research, production, and commercial functions, you translate innovation into tangible results, from early-stage development to technology transfer and scale-up. Through your leadership, you will foster collaboration and ensure that the Company R&D capabilities remain competitive and compliant in a dynamic, fast-evolving market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive innovation in API development and GMP production through integration of synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering — optimizing routes, process design, and scale-up for robustness, safety, and manufacturability.
• Coordinate R&D activities across multiple sites, ensuring consistent standards, communication, and project governance, ensuring delivery of projects within agreed deadlines and commitments.
• Act as the primary technical lead for the CDMO activities, both internally and in client discussions, supporting proposal development and project acquisition. This requires a solution driven mindset, even if this requires an unconventional way of thinking.
• Accountable for R&D portfolio, programs & project management discipline, leading all R&D initiatives from scoping to execution and delivery of milestones across the stage gate process.
• Define, implement, and monitor the R&D strategy aligned with Business Unit and Group objectives.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to secure seamless technology transfer. Build, inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing cross-site teams with a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Ensure GMP, SHE, and quality compliance across all projects and sites.
• Monitor market and scientific trends to identify new opportunities and steer innovation proposals.

Skills & Experience Required:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong commercially driven, entrepreneurial, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience in a CDMO environment is preferred.
• Affinity with the pharmaceutical industry, with solid knowledge of GMP and GDP guidelines.
• In-depth understanding of API manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication abilities and customer orientation.
• Portfolio, Program & Project management in R&D environment (PMP or P30 preferred)
• Fluency in English, additional languages are a plus.