Principal Consultant (CMC Small Molecules) UK

Scendea is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our global team as a full‑time Principal Consultant. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in CMC for small molecule drug development, with expertise in process development, scale‑up, regulatory submissions, and the pre‑approval life cycle management of small molecule products. This is a hybrid position, affiliated to either our UK or Australia office, with a requirement to work in the office a minimum of one day per month. This is an excellent opportunity to progress your career at a rapidly growing regulatory consultancy.

You will have the opportunity to play a key role in the development and mentoring of staff whilst providing high‑quality regulatory technical advice and product development strategies for clients.

• Provide strategic, technical and regulatory advice/services to clients with a special interest in CMC development of small molecule pharmaceuticals of human medicinal products.
• Provide innovative drug development plans, data gap analyses and international regulatory strategies from a CMC perspective for complex products within the changing regulatory environment.
• Contribute to technical authorship and review of development regulatory documents including Regulatory Strategy Plans, Drug Development Plans, Clinical Trial Applications, Pre‑INDs, INDs, Scientific Advice and Meeting Briefing Documents, Paediatric plans/applications, Investigator Brochures, IMPDs, Marketing Authorisation Applications, New Drug Applications, Biologic License Applications, DMFs according to area of expertise.
• Lead multi‑jurisdiction programs of work and deliver consulting services within your respective area of expertise.
• Represent clients in regulatory agency interactions and provide regulatory solutions to agency objections.
• Ensure delivery of project goals within agreed timelines, maintaining oversight of project budgets.
• Lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to any current and/or future projects, contracts, or new business opportunities.
• Support Scendea's Business Development in sales/marketing introductions and generate additional business from current clients.
• Line‑manage, train, and mentor members of the Scendea Operational team, including providing technical leadership.

• A high scientific calibre with a relevant science focused BSc (or equivalent), and a higher degree in a biomedical field or equivalent (e.g., a life/physical science focused MSc or preferably a PhD).
• Extensive experience in CMC strategy and a minimum of ten years of experience in CMC development for small molecule NCE, with a strong background in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.
• Expertise in CMC‑related regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, ICH guidelines, and GMP regulations for small molecules.
• Demonstrated experience with a broad spectrum of dosage forms for small molecule NCE and/or generic chemical entities.
• A minimum of ten years of regulatory experience, working with either FDA and/or MHRA/EMA/TGA submissions, including meetings/negotiation.
• Regulatory experience may include time within a National Competent Authority.
• Experience with a broad range of products would be beneficial, including recombinant proteins and peptides (including antibodies), prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, biosimilar products, advanced therapy medicinal products (tissue, cell and gene therapy), RNA or DNA based products, and live biotherapeutics.
• Direct experience preferred in providing strategic regulatory planning from early‑stage development up to marketing authorisation, and a proven ability to define and deliver creative scientifically driven solutions to technical development and regulatory issues.
• Experience in consultancy and/or an outgoing personality that supports the ability to showcase their expertise and the business to new potential clients.
• Proven ability and willingness to lead a team and deliver education and training in chosen field, both internally, and at scientific conference presentations.
• Exemplary organisational and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail, and the proven ability to work both proactively and autonomously.
• High level of verbal communication and presentation skills in English, computer literacy, and competency in MS Office programs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for short periods, sometimes at short notice, within the country of employment, or internationally.

Scendea is an international product development, regulatory, and compliance consulting group delivering market‑leading scientific expertise and regulatory solutions to advance healthcare innovation worldwide. We are passionate about delivering strategic and operational support to clients, with a strong commitment to problem‑solving and redefining customer service. Our goal is to streamline the product development process, reduce time‑to‑market, and minimise overall development costs. With a current team of over 50 staff based in the US, UK, Netherlands, and Australia, Scendea is undergoing a period of significant growth, with the addition of new service lines to facilitate the delivery of expert and strategic global regulatory and compliance consulting services to our rapidly growing client base. We are equally committed to making a positive impact on society by managing our environmental impacts and contributing to a low‑carbon economy. Our inclusive work culture values transparency, ethical collaboration with clients, and employee involvement in key decision‑making processes, ensuring that our team is respected, supported, and engaged.

• A competitive salary.
• Generous bonus programme, which rewards success.
• 26 days’ holiday plus discretionary additional days for birthday and work anniversary and public holidays.
• 5% employer pension contribution.
• Private healthcare insurance.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee Ownership Trust Scheme.
• A challenging and stimulating position for a dynamic and competent scientist, looking to contribute to a growing business and a rapidly expanding team.
• Coaching, mentoring and support of your continuous learning, and professional development within a highly recognised international team.

Part of what makes Scendea successful is the highly motivated people who work for us and their enthusiasm for what we do and the values we stand for. We recruit individuals whose passion, drive, integrity and customer orientation shines through. You are a motivated individual who can instil trust and confidence in our customer relationships whilst having a natural aptitude for getting the best out of people internally. You will inspire others through your commitment, motivation, expertise, professional manner and always placing the customer at the centre of everything you do.

Applicants must reside and be eligible to work in the United Kingdom without the requirement for sponsorship now or in the future.