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- Tasks: Lead a team in developing and optimising veterinary drug formulations for commercial manufacture.
- Company: Global veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong R&D focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare support, pension, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing new veterinary medicines to market.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree and 5+ years in drug formulation development required.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
A global veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong international footprint is expanding its R&D leadership team and is seeking an experienced Head of Late‑Stage Formulation. The organisation develops and manufactures veterinary medicines supplied to over 100 countries worldwide, with significant ongoing investment in R&D and a robust pipeline of new product launches. This role offers the opportunity to lead a critical function at the interface of development, scale‑up, and commercial manufacture.
As Head of Late‑Stage Formulation, you will be the technical authority for late‑stage formulation development, leading a specialist scientific team responsible for ensuring formulations are robust, scalable, and ready for commercial manufacture. You will play a key role in managing technical risk, applying Quality by Design (QbD) principles, and working cross‑functionally with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing teams to support successful technology transfer.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the Late‑Stage Formulation team, ensuring high technical and quality standards
- Develop and optimise veterinary drug product formulations in line with (V) ICH guidelines
- Transfer formulations from early development into late‑stage scale‑up and commercial manufacture
- Apply QbD principles to strengthen process understanding and lock down critical process parameters
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to support scale‑up, validation, and handover to manufacturing
- Oversee reverse engineering, product characterisation, and stability studies
- Provide technical input into patent and intellectual property strategy
- Author and review technical documentation to support global regulatory submissions (FDA, EMA, VICH/ICH, Ph. Eur., BP, USP)
- Drive continuous improvement within the formulation function
- Train, develop, and mentor scientific staff, maintaining strong technical capability and compliance
You are an experienced formulation scientist and people leader with a strong background in regulated pharmaceutical development. Essential experience includes:
- Postgraduate degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related discipline
- 5+ years’ experience in drug product formulation development, scale‑up, and manufacture
- Strong working knowledge of GMP and global regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA, VICH/ICH)
- Experience across a range of dosage forms within human or veterinary pharmaceuticals
- Proven experience leading and developing scientific teams
- Strong communication skills and a track record of effective cross‑functional collaboration
- Lead a high‑impact formulation function within a globally active pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Play a key role in bringing new veterinary medicines to market
- Long‑term career opportunity within a growing, R&D‑driven organisation
- Competitive benefits package including pension, healthcare support, and generous annual leave
- Permanent, site‑based role with strong investment in facilities and people
This role is based on a penicillin‑producing site and is not suitable for individuals with a penicillin allergy. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).
Head of Late Stage Formulation in Leicester employer: Next Phase Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Next Phase Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Late Stage Formulation in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in late-stage formulation. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Late Stage Formulation in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Late-Stage Formulation role. Highlight your experience in drug product formulation and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about veterinary pharmaceuticals and how your skills can contribute to our R&D team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t forget to mention your knowledge of GMP and global regulatory frameworks. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see your technical chops!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Phase Recruitment
✨Know Your Formulation Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of late-stage formulation development and Quality by Design (QbD) principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in past roles, especially in relation to scale-up and commercial manufacture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading scientific teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve high technical and quality standards.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the global regulatory frameworks relevant to veterinary pharmaceuticals, such as FDA and EMA guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in previous projects.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration is Key
Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing teams. Be ready to share how you facilitated communication and ensured smooth technology transfer during formulation development.