Director of Pharmaceutical Formulation Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health plan

Performance-based bonuses

Stock options

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Director of Pharmaceutical Formulation Development in Durban. The role leads a team of scientists, guiding pipeline projects from concept to clinical development, with a focus on novel drug delivery systems.

The position operates on a Hybrid model, balancing on-site strategic leadership with remote operational management, and requires a PhD and 12+ years in formulation development, including 5+ years in a leadership role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
• 12+ years in pharmaceutical formulation development; 5+ years in leadership.
• Expertise in multiple dosage forms and drug delivery technologies.
• Strong understanding of regulatory guidelines, GMP, and QA in drug development.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development across dosage forms (oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Oversee studies, stability testing, and analytical method development.
• Direct scale-up from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and GMP standards.
• Mentor a team of scientists and collaborate with internal/external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics / Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding pharmaceutical enterprise, is actively seeking a visionary Director of Pharmaceutical Formulation Development to lead their innovative research and development efforts in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This executive-level position requires a strategic leader with a proven track record in developing novel drug delivery systems and formulations. The Director will be responsible for guiding a team of scientists and researchers, driving pipeline projects from concept to clinical development, and ensuring the successful translation of scientific discoveries into high-quality pharmaceutical products. This is a critical role for an accomplished professional looking to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. The position operates on a Hybrid model, allowing for a blend of on-site strategic work and remote operational management.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of pharmaceutical formulation development, including pre-formulation, formulation design, and process development for various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals). Direct the execution of formulation studies, stability testing, and analytical method development. Oversee the scale-up of formulations from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing. Ensure all development activities comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, SAHPRA) and GMP standards. Provide strategic direction for the formulation development pipeline, identifying new opportunities and technologies. Manage budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively. Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., Preclinical, Clinical, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs) and external partners to advance projects. Mentor and develop a high-performing team of formulation scientists and technicians. Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory updates impacting pharmaceutical formulation.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field. A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial capacity. Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of dosage forms and drug delivery technologies. Deep understanding of regulatory guidelines, GMP, and quality assurance principles in drug development. Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and teams. Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience in drug product characterization, analytical techniques, and bioequivalence studies. Prior experience within the Durban pharmaceutical sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

This leadership role offers a highly attractive compensation package, including an annual salary of R , commensurate with your experience and qualifications. The benefits include a comprehensive executive health plan, significant performance-based bonuses, executive stock options, extensive professional development opportunities, and generous paid time off. The Hybrid work structure allows for a dynamic work environment that balances strategic leadership with personal flexibility. Join our client's visionary team and shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation.