Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & Strategy

Executive Director, R&D Reporting, Insights & StrategyLocation: UK (preferred), other EU locations considered | Hybrid/Remote with travel as requiredCompetitive Executive PackageI 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 ROIConfident 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!