At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative pharmaceutical projects and drive product development from concept to market.
- Company: Join Androlabs, a pioneering company dedicated to improving men's health.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Fast-growing environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in men's health while working in a dynamic, ambitious team.
- Qualifications: 10-14 years in pharma with strong CMC and regulatory experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Central London (office-based)
Salary: £85,000–£108,000
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Experience Level: Senior (10–14 years)
Androlabs is the first pharmaceutical company that is entirely dedicated to men. Founded in February 2021 and headquartered in London, Androlabs is a fast‑growing and ambitious scale‑up company. Our medicines are commercialised in 20+ countries throughout Europe, the UK and Australia.
At Androlabs, our mission is to close the male life expectancy gap by tackling health disparities head‑on. We partner with healthcare professionals who treat patients daily and lead initiatives to raise awareness of men’s health, improve education, and remove barriers to care.
We are looking for a CMC Associate Director to join our growing team. This is the most senior technical role in the business for everything manufacturing and development. You will report directly to the co‑founder in charge of Portfolio, and own the end‑to‑end delivery of all CMC and pharmaceutical development programmes across our portfolio — from technology transfers and CDMO management to product development, process innovation, and regulatory dossier input.
What You Will Be Doing?
- Lead product development and redevelopment from brief to GMP readiness — formulation, process development, analytical method development
- Own technology transfers end to end: from procurement and CDMO selection through process validation and regulatory approval
- Define and execute comparability strategies that satisfy internal quality requirements and regulatory variation standards
- Drive manufacturing process improvement to enhance efficiency, cost, quality, and supply reliability
Strategy & Governance
- Develop CMC strategies in close collaboration with the regulatory, clinical, and commercial teams; provide CMC technical input into regulatory submissions
- Own the CMC project portfolio: live view of status, risks, dependencies, timelines, and budgets across all active programmes
- Manage the CMC budget: forecast project costs, approve spend, report to leadership
Third‑Party Management
- Source, qualify, and onboard CDMOs and technical partners; negotiate commercial terms and execute agreements
- Own the CDMO risk register and ongoing performance management
- Build and maintain a trusted network of specialist CMC contractors and consultants for project‑specific expertise
Who You Are and What You Bring
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- 10–14 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer, and/or product development, with personal end‑to‑end ownership of multiple CMC programmes
- Direct CDMO management experience: commercial negotiation, technical oversight, and performance management
- Strong scientific foundation — you can read, interpret, and challenge batch records, validation reports, stability data, and analytical methods
- Solid GMP knowledge and experience of how manufacturing changes interact with regulatory variation requirements
- Experience contributing to CMC sections of regulatory dossiers
- Budget management experience: you have owned and managed project‑level spend against actuals
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience with semi‑solid or transdermal formulations (gel, cream, ointment)
- Experience with new chemical entities manufacturing
- Familiarity with the MAH model and the regulatory obligations it carries
- Experience in a small or mid‑size specialty pharma environment where you have operated with high autonomy
- Track record of dual‑sourcing or competitive CDMO selection and technology transfer programmes
- Experience conducting or overseeing comparability and process validation studies first‑hand
What we offer you
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Private Medical Insurance through AXA — from Day 1, including 24/7 virtual GP, physiotherapy, and counselling
- Learning & Development — £300 annual self‑directed learning fund, plus additional sponsorship available for bigger development goals
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Summer Getaway Package — take 7 days in August, get 3 extra paid days free
- August Remote Working — work from anywhere for the whole of August
- Summer Hours — Early Friday finishes in July and August
- Dog‑Friendly Office — well‑behaved pups welcome
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted gym classes
- Team Activities — We believe in the power of team bonding and regularly organise company‑wide events and overseas company off‑sites.
- High‑Performance Team — Join an ambitious and dynamic team that’s passionate about excellence.
- Continuous Investment — Benefit from ample training opportunities and resources.
- Career Growth — Experience rapid professional and personal development, opening doors to multiple career paths.
CMC Associate Director employer: Androlabs®
Androlabs is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that fosters innovation and excellence. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive learning opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact men's health on a global scale. Join our dynamic team and be part of a mission-driven company that values transparency, agency, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CMC Associate Director
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Androlabs®. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Androlabs®.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Androlabs®. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Androlabs® is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace CMC Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Androlabs®!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Androlabs® that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Androlabs®!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Androlabs®, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Androlabs®
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Androlabs® that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Androlabs®’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
