At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug development projects and optimise processes for life-changing medicines.
- Company: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharma company dedicated to transforming patient lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible vacation, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to pioneering research and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving early-stage drug development.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in biopharmaceuticals and proven leadership skills.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience.
Brief Description: The Senior Director, Head of Research and Early Development Project Management is an executive-level operational and strategic leader accountable for establishing scalable, world-class project management capabilities across Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ growing discovery and early pipeline. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Head of Pipeline and Project Management, this leader will drive process optimization throughout the drug development life cycle from Candidate Drug Nomination through First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials. This newly created role ensures robust cross-functional project execution across Oncology, Neuroscience, and emerging Rare Disease indications.
Essential Functions:
- Process Optimization & Life Cycle Progression (Discovery to FIH): Champion continuous process improvement across the early drug development continuum from Discovery and Candidate Nomination through Investigational New Drug (IND) / Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) and First-in-Human (FIH).
- Portfolio Oversight, Risk Management & Governance Partnering: Maintain holistic, end-to-end operational visibility over risk profiles, critical-path dependencies, and strategic opportunities within the early-stage portfolio.
- Orchestra Operating Model & High-Performing Teams: Lead the active embedding and continuous sustainment of the Orchestra Team Operating Model across all early-stage project teams, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and team decision rights.
- Executive Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Prioritization: Serve as an influential strategic partner to the Oncology and Neuroscience Chief Scientific Officers (CSOs), Corporate Strategy, and Governance leads.
- People Leadership & Talent Development: Directly manage, mentor, and inspire a global team of early development project managers (Associate Directors and Directors).
- Financial Stewardship & Enterprise Systems: Partner with R&D Finance to develop, embed, and continuously optimize best practices for early-stage project budget formulation, forecasting, and financial governance.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Extensive progressive biopharmaceutical industry experience, including extensive direct experience in early drug development (Discovery and Pre-clinical through IND enabling and FIH).
- Proven track record of line-managing, coaching, and developing highly skilled, senior project/program managers.
- Outstanding capability to lead, align, and influence executive-level scientists, C-suite leaders, and scientific governance bodies without direct authority.
- Hands-on experience and professional proficiency with PPM enterprise tools, specifically Planisware, Smartsheet, and Oracle.
- Proven, referenceable track record of optimizing drug development pathways, driving process redesign, and reducing pre-clinical cycle times.
Required/Preferred Education and Licenses:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related field required.
- Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MS, or MBA) strongly preferred.
- PMP or equivalent professional project management certification is a plus.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Senior Director, Head of Research & Early Development in City of London employer: Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the biopharma industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide numerous opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package, including flexible paid vacation and comprehensive health insurance. Located in vibrant cities like London and Cambridge, our employees enjoy a stimulating environment that fosters creativity and teamwork while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Head of Research & Early Development in City of London
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Head of Research & Early Development in City of London
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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals!
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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals 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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals!
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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals, 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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals
✨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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals 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 Jazz Pharmaceuticals’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.
