Director Process Chemistry

Stanley Cowton International

Richmond (VA)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 140,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical organization in Richmond, VA is seeking a Director of Chemistry to lead small molecule process development and drive team development. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in a CDMO environment, a strong background in tech transfer, and a PhD in Organic Chemistry. This role offers visibility with executive leadership and a clear path for growth in a purpose-driven environment.

Qualifications

7+ years in process chemistry leadership within pharma or CDMO environments.
Strong background in tech transfer, scale-up, and manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to build and lead technical teams through change and growth.

Responsibilities

Lead small molecule process development projects from design through validation.
Serve as the technical SME for internal stakeholders and manufacturing partners.
Contribute to growth by building structure, systems, and best practices.

Skills

Process chemistry leadership

Tech transfer

Team building

Regulatory filings

Organic Chemistry

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Stanley Cowton International

Small Molecule | CDMO | Technical Leadership

Are you a technically strong process chemist with leadership experience, looking for a high-impact role with visibility, autonomy, and long-term growth potential?

We’re supporting a pioneering US-based pharmaceutical organization that’s transforming how essential medicines are developed and manufactured. With a strong public-health mission, a bold strategy, and a new(ish) team that values trust, collaboration, and open conversation, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious CDMO.

What You’ll Do

Lead small molecule process development projects from early-stage design through tech transfer and validation
Serve as the technical SME for internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners
Own the strategic oversight of CMC elements, including QbD, DoE, regulatory filings, and risk assessments (e.g. FMEA, CPPs)
Drive team development and be a visible, hands-on leader to a group of process chemists
Engage in cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Regulatory, Program Management, MS&T, and Government Affairs
Contribute to future growth by helping build out structure, systems, and best practices across the department

What We’re Looking For

7+ years in process chemistry leadership within pharma or CDMO environments
Strong background in tech transfer, scale-up, and manufacturing
Demonstrated ability to build and lead technical teams through change and growth
Track record of hands-on involvement in IND/ANDA/NDA submissions and regulatory filings
PhD in Organic Chemistry or equivalent experience highly preferred

Why This Role?

Impact: You’ll play a central role in the development and manufacturing of mission-critical medicines in a company that’s still evolving and open to new ways of thinking
Visibility: You’ll report into executive leadership and have influence across multiple sites and programs
Growth: This is a potential successor role, with a clear path to take on broader leadership responsibilities in the near future
Challenge: You'll help lead a business through scale-up, structure-building, and the occasional ambiguity that comes with being part of a high-growth, purpose-driven organization

Location & Flexibility

You’ll need to be based in Virginia and comfortable working between two key sites in the

Richmond–Hopewell area. Flexibility is built in, but presence is important, this is a people-facing leadership role.

Interested in learning more?

This search is being led by Stanley Cowton International. For a confidential conversation, please get in touch.

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