Business & Operations Area Lead

Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering

Organisation/Company Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering Department Human resources Research Field Other Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Other Positions Country Austria Application Deadline 7 Aug 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Vienna) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

For our Leadership Team we are looking for a committed and experienced (m/f/x)

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS AREA LEAD

Ref.No SK126

In this pivotal role, you will drive the operational and business success of our Area 2 “Advanced Formulations” and Area 3 “Next-Generation Manufacturing”, working closely with Scientific Area Leaders and cross-functional teams.

If you are passionate about innovation, leadership, and shaping the future of pharmaceutical and research operations, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop interdisciplinary teams including personnel management, recruitment, and resource planning.
• Joint responsibility with the Scientific Area Leader to ensure overall successful Area leadership and growth of the Area.
• Ensure smooth operations and communication processes within the Area 2 “Advanced Formulations” and Area 3 “Next-Generation Manufacturing”.
• Oversee project management activities in close collaboration with Scientific Area Leads.
• Shape and implement strategic plans for Area 2 “Advanced Formulations” and Area 3 “Next-Generation Manufacturing”, while contributing to the overall RCPE strategy.
• Drive business growth and innovation.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk forecasting.
• Serve as escalation manager, coordinate change requestsand ensure smooth adaptation to evolving project needs.
• Prepare and review reports for management and clients.
• Handle legal and contractual topics in cooperation with HR.
• Define pricing strategies for project proposals and change orders.
• Maintain and expand client relationships, contribute to business development efforts, and represent RCPE at conferences and meetings.
• Coordinate closely with Business and Operations Area Lead of Area 1 “Science of Quality” to ensure aligned leadership and joint decision-making.

Requirements

• Proven track record leading scientific or technical teams, ideally within the pharmaceutical, CDMO, or research sector.
• Background in science, technology, or related field; PhD or research experience is advantageous.
• Experience in project planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
• Ability to identify and acquire new projects, translating scientific innovation into business opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution ability, and a collaborative mindset.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong existing network within the pharmaceutical industry, with a willingness and capability to expand it further to leverage business opportunities.
• Structured, proactive, and self-drive ,with strong communication skills.
• Basic legal and contractual knowledge.
• Willingness to travel (approx. 10–20%).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (German is a plus); comfortable representing the organization at conferences and client meetings.

We offer

• A multidisciplinary and dynamic research environment and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure on the Campus of Graz University of Technology.
• Opportunities for career development and leadership growth in a dynamic sector driven by scientific and business excellence.
• The actual salary will depend on professional qualifications and experience, as well as the relevant labor market, and may be significantly higher than the pay scale under the Collective Wage Agreement. (For legal reasons we inform you that the gross minimum annual salary for thisposition is EUR 74.000)

At RCPE, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.

We actively encourage applications from women and will give preference to female candidates with equivalent qualifications, considering all relevant aspects and circumstances of all applications.

We are looking forward to receiving your application including your CV, a cover letter, your publication record and credentials.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering Country Austria Geofield