Head of Molecule Design

Lead molecule design capability to deliver high-quality, best-in-class molecules for clinically validated targets, bringing Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, and Structure-Based/Computational Chemistry together as an integrated unit. This is a new, strategic leadership role created to enable efficient delivery across portfolio—reducing silos, optimising CRO interactions, and establishing Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) as a scalable, business-valuable approach. The role operates within an asset-focused, biotech-style project team model with clear accountability for delivery, decision-making, resource deployment, and budget stewardship.

Context and strategic intent

New role designed to unify Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, and SBDD/Modelling/Computational Chemistry into a single, high-performing Molecule Design group. Supports a large, multi-asset portfolio with both internal programs and partnered collaborations; ensures consistent standards, pace, and decision quality across projects. Builds and shapes Discovery Operations (CRO management with KPIs, compound management and logistics) to improve throughput, quality, and predictability. Drives IDD initiatives with vendors and internal stakeholders to improve design–make–test–analyse cycles, cost efficiency, and value creation. Requires strong stakeholder management and cultural awareness, bridging between Director/Senior Director levels and senior leadership; sets clear ways of working while maintaining trust and alignment.

Key accountabilities

• Molecule design strategic leadership (integrated discipline leadership)
  • Set the end-to-end molecule design strategy across the portfolio, aligned to target product profiles and program differentiation goals.
  • Lead and integrate Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, and SBDD/Modelling/Computational Chemistry to operate as one unit—shared priorities, shared plans, shared accountability.
  • Establish clear decision frameworks for design hypotheses, progression criteria, Target Molecule Profiles and trade-offs (potency/selectivity, ADME/PK, developability, IP, safety-related liabilities).
  • Ensure consistent scientific standards, documentation quality, and reproducibility across internal and partnered programs.
• Portfolio delivery, resourcing, and performance management
  • Own resource strategy across internal and external teams, balancing speed, quality, and cost across multiple concurrent programs.
  • Translate portfolio priorities into integrated workplans, ensuring right skills at the right time across projects (internal and partnered).
  • Define measurable performance indicators for molecule design delivery (cycle times, design success rate, data quality, portfolio throughput) and drive continuous improvement.
  • Partner with Project Leaders to provide transparent delivery forecasts, scenario plans, and risk mitigation.
• Build and lead Discovery Operations (CRO management, KPIs, compound logistics)
  • Design, build, and develop a Discovery Operations capability to support Molecule Design at scale.
  • Establish CRO management best practice: selection, onboarding, KPI dashboards, quality oversight, issue escalation, and performance-based continuous improvement.
  • Oversee compound management and logistics (inventory, shipment, storage, chain-of-custody where needed), enabling reliable “make–ship–test” execution.
  • Implement clear governance and service levels between Molecule Design teams and Discovery Operations to avoid bottlenecks and ambiguity.
• Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) initiatives and vendor innovation
  • Drive new initiatives that improve IDD capability (e.g., faster DMTA loops, improved data integration, modern informatics/ELN/LIMS utilisation, predictive tools).
  • Evaluate and pilot external solutions and partnerships with vendors that meaningfully improve cycle time, quality, and cost per learning.
  • Lead cross-functional stakeholder engagement (biology, DMPK, translational, preclinical development, CMC as appropriate) to ensure IDD solutions fit end-to-end value creation.
  • Make IDD operationally scalable and commercially credible—clear benefit cases, adoption plans, and measurable impact.
• AI/Computational Enablement
  • Builds a culture of shared ownership and transparency.
  • Balances scientific ambition with delivery pragmatism; makes timely, well-reasoned decisions under uncertainty.
  • Brings strong “bridge leadership” capability—trusted by Director/Senior Director leaders while providing clear, confident direction to the organisation and SVP stakeholders.
  • Develops talent, sets clear expectations, and builds scalable operating routines that reduce friction and rework.

Qualifications and experience

• PhD (or equivalent) in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemistry, or related discipline; or extensive relevant industry experience.
• Senior leadership experience spanning medicinal chemistry and at least one adjacent molecule design discipline (analytical sciences and/or SBDD/computational chemistry), with a proven track record of integrated delivery.
• Demonstrated portfolio leadership: resourcing, prioritisation, governance contributions, and delivery across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong externalisation experience: CRO/vendor selection and management, KPI-driven performance oversight, and quality systems awareness.
• Experience building or transforming operating models (reducing silos, improving DMTA cadence, implementing operational infrastructure).
• Commercial and partnering fluency: ability to articulate capability value, manage strategic alliances, and support diligence/partner interactions when required.