At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team to transform Reporting & Insights into a strategic decision-support function.
- Company: Join a leading global R&D organisation focused on innovation and impactful solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive executive package with hybrid/remote work options and travel opportunities.
- Other info: This role is for a proactive leader ready to challenge the status quo and inspire change.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving organisational change and digital transformation in pharma R&D.
- Qualifications: Must have experience managing senior leaders and delivering large-scale change in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy
Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy
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Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy
Location: UK (preferred), other EU locations considered | Hybrid/Remote with travel as required
Competitive Executive Package
I am seeking an accomplished Executive Director to lead Reporting, Insights & Strategy within my clients global R&D organisation.
This is a senior, high-impact role (C-suite -2) designed for someone who doesn’t just know what to do, but understands why and how to do it at scale, without needing direction.
You’ll lead a global team of ~30, transforming the Reporting & Insights function from a service into a true strategic driver that informs decision-making at the highest levels.
This isn’t about maintaining processes, it’s about modernising them. You’ll be expected to challenge assumptions, champion new ways of working, and embed a culture of continuous improvement . Your mission is to partner with senior leadership as an equal—to set priorities, navigate complexity, and deliver practical, impactful solutions.
We’re looking for a true leader of leaders . Someone with the gravitas to hold their own in Board-level discussions, the rigour to interrogate systems and data with precision, and the credibility to inspire change across a complex, global organisation.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse, global team of ~30, optimising structure, culture, and performance to meet strategic goals.
- Transform the Reporting & Insights function into a strategic decision-support capability , delivering clear, actionable, and persuasive intelligence to senior leadership.
- Actively challenge existing practices and bring fresh ideas to improve efficiency, quality, and impact across R&D.
- Translate complex data and dashboards into clear narratives that support prioritisation and investment decisions at the highest level.
- Partner directly with executive leadership to identify challenges, set priorities, and deliver solutions that improve timelines, resources, and pipeline performance.
- Drive organisational change and digital transformation—balancing vision with hands-on delivery .
- Ensure systems, processes, and people are fully aligned to enable world-class R&D operations.
- Serve as a sparring partner to senior leaders, confident enough to say “this isn’t working” and propose better approaches.
Who You Are:
- A seasoned leader of leaders with experience managing senior managers and directors in complex, global environments.
- Proven track record of delivering large-scale organisational change and digital transformation in pharma or life sciences R&D.
- Comfortable challenging the status quo and influencing senior leaders to adopt new ways of working.
- A strategic thinker who can see beyond data to business implications—and tell the story that drives action.
- Commercially savvy, detail-oriented, and unafraid to question, prioritise, and solve complex problems. Proven experience in managing budgets and demonstrating ROI
- Confident communicator with the presence and credibility to engage Board-level stakeholders and executive leadership.
- MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification strongly preferred.
This isn’t a role for someone who wants to be told what to do. It’s for a senior leader ready to step up, own the mission, and deliver real change in a complex, global R&D environment.
If you’re ready to partner with executive leadership , challenge assumptions, and lead meaningful, measurable change I\'d love to hear from you!
Seniority level
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and ManagementIndustries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Biotechnology Research, and Business Consulting and Services
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#J-18808-LjbffrExecutive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy in England employer: Barrington James
Join a forward-thinking global R&D organisation that values innovation and leadership. As an Executive Director, you will thrive in a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and collaboration, while being part of a culture that champions continuous improvement and strategic transformation. With competitive executive packages and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on decision-making at the highest levels, all while working alongside a diverse team of talented professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically with professionals in the pharma and life sciences sectors. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and events where you can meet key players and discuss the latest trends in R&D. This will not only expand your connections but also give you insights into what companies like ours are looking for in a leader.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership experience by sharing specific examples of how you've driven organisational change and digital transformation in previous roles. Prepare to discuss these experiences in detail during networking conversations or interviews, as they will demonstrate your capability to lead a global team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest tools and technologies used in R&D reporting and insights. Being knowledgeable about data analytics platforms and digital transformation strategies will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can modernise processes and drive efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your vision for transforming the Reporting & Insights function into a strategic decision-support capability. Think about how you would approach this challenge and be ready to share your ideas on how to inspire and lead a diverse team towards achieving these goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience, particularly in managing senior teams and driving organisational change. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to transform functions and deliver strategic insights.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, articulate your vision for the Reporting & Insights function. Discuss how you would challenge existing practices and implement new strategies. Show your understanding of the role's impact on decision-making at the highest levels.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Emphasise your experience in pharma or life sciences R&D, particularly any roles where you led digital transformation initiatives. Provide concrete examples of how you've improved efficiency and quality in previous positions.
Prepare for Interviews:Be ready to discuss your approach to leading diverse teams and driving change. Prepare to share specific instances where you've influenced senior leaders and navigated complex challenges. Demonstrating your strategic thinking will be key.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barrington James
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Highlight specific examples where you inspired and developed your team, especially in complex environments.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
Articulate your approach to transforming functions into strategic decision-support capabilities. Be ready to share examples of how you've challenged the status quo and implemented new ways of working that led to significant improvements.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice your communication skills, especially when discussing complex data and its implications. You should be able to translate technical information into clear narratives that resonate with senior leadership.
✨Prepare for Challenging Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with organisational change and digital transformation. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your ability to question existing practices and propose innovative solutions.
