Senior Director, R&D Strategy Execution & Transformation

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, R&D Strategy Execution & Transformation based in the United States.

As Senior Director, R&D Strategy Execution & Transformation, you will play a pivotal role in translating global Research & Development priorities into impactful business outcomes. You will lead high-priority strategic initiatives and complex transformation programs, ensuring alignment across research, development, and corporate functions. Working closely with senior leadership, you will establish effective governance structures, strengthen operational performance, and drive organizational change. You will bring strategic vision and hands-on execution capabilities to improve processes, productivity, and decision-making across a global R&D organization. This highly visible leadership position offers the opportunity to influence business strategy, optimize operating models, and accelerate the development of innovative medicines. You will operate in a fast-paced, international, and collaborative environment where initiative, adaptability, and measurable results are essential.

Accountabilities:

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Lead strategic initiatives and transformation: Drive high-priority R&D transformation programs from initial strategy through implementation, ensuring clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and sustainable organizational impact.

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Establish program management structures: Design and lead strategic Program Management Offices (PMOs), defining workstreams, milestones, governance frameworks, risk management processes, and performance indicators.

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Drive cross-functional execution: Coordinate initiatives across Research, Development, and enabling functions, ensuring alignment, clear ownership, accountability, and timely resolution of operational challenges.

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Optimize operating models: Identify opportunities to improve R&D processes, organizational structures, operational effectiveness, and productivity, developing and implementing sustainable solutions.

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Strengthen governance and operational excellence: Support the continuous improvement of strategic planning, goal-setting, governance, and performance management frameworks across the R&D organization.

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Implement effective management systems: Establish operating rhythms, reporting structures, and decision-making processes that improve transparency, execution discipline, and organizational follow-through.

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Translate strategy into action: Partner with functional leaders to convert broad business priorities into structured workplans, actionable initiatives, defined responsibilities, and measurable deliverables.

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Advise senior leadership: Collaborate with R&D executives to address complex strategic and operational challenges, provide recommendations, and support critical business decisions.

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Prepare executive communications: Develop high-quality presentations, strategic updates, decision materials, and progress reports that translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.

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Support leadership governance: Coordinate strategic reviews, executive forums, and other high-priority activities while ensuring visibility into progress, risks, dependencies, and key decisions.

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Drive continuous improvement: Identify emerging organizational needs, contribute to new strategic initiatives, and adapt execution approaches as business priorities evolve.

Requirements:

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Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree is preferred.

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Preferred educational background includes a PhD with at least 6 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with at least 8 years of experience. Exceptions may be considered for candidates with equivalent relevant professional experience.

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Significant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences consulting, corporate strategy, transformation, or R&D operations. Both consulting and industry backgrounds are valued.

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Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, particularly the Research & Development value chain. Direct drug development or oncology experience is an advantage.

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Demonstrated success independently leading complex cross-functional initiatives, strategic transformation programs, PMOs, or organizational change initiatives from conception through implementation.

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Proven ability to translate ambiguous strategic objectives into structured execution plans, clear priorities, and measurable deliverables.

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Strong project and program management capabilities, including experience coordinating multiple workstreams, managing dependencies, monitoring risks, and ensuring accountability.

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Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex business challenges and develop practical, data-driven recommendations.

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Excellent executive communication and presentation skills, including the ability to independently prepare compelling leadership materials and communicate complex topics clearly.

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Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through when managing high-impact initiatives.

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High emotional intelligence, sound business judgment, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct reporting authority.

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Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, global, and matrixed organizations while building strong cross-functional partnerships.

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Entrepreneurial, proactive, and hands-on leadership approach, with the flexibility to manage evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative mindset, and commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence.

Benefits:

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Annual base salary: $223,400–$293,400, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and geographic location.

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Eligibility for an annual bonus plan.

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Opportunity to receive discretionary equity awards.

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Voluntary participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

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401(k) retirement savings plan.

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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

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Life insurance coverage.

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Paid time off.

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Wellness programs and resources.

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Remote working opportunity within the United States.

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Opportunities to influence global R&D strategy and lead high-impact organizational transformation initiatives.

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Professional growth opportunities within an international biotechnology and life sciences environment.

How Jobgether works:

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.