Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Development Director (DD) to join our Operations Directorate in the UK and Europe. This senior leadership role will direct the design and development of processes, instruments, and equipment from laboratory scale through to manufacturing, while also overseeing the deployment and governance of clinical information technologies that support product development.

The Development Director will act as a key strategic partner to business leaders, vendors, and service providers, ensuring delivery of innovative technology solutions and operational excellence. While this role does not include direct line management, it will require leading cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to drive business-critical initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

IT & Technology Projects

• Analyse, document, and optimise business processes to align with IT and operational requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement technology solutions that support product development and business needs.
• Develop robust project plans (timelines, resources, risks, stakeholders, financials).
• Manage full project lifecycle — from governance approval through to deployment and steady-state operations.
• Partner with compliance and validation resources to manage system change control and validation activities.
• Ensure delivery of projects on time, on scope, and on budget, acting as the primary point of contact.

Engineering & Operations Leadership

• Oversee pilot plant operations, including process development, validation, and technology transfer for new products (focus on solid oral dosage forms).
• Provide technical leadership in equipment acquisition, installation, and performance qualification.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and efficiency of R&D plant operations.
• Prepare and approve compliant technical documentation (SOPs, validation protocols, batch records, reports).
• Contribute to regulatory submissions where required.
• Influence product formulation and process design to optimise facility utilisation.
• Provide input into strategic and operational plans to align with business objectives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional project teams and vendors to deliver against defined milestones.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with internal business leaders, end-users, and external partners.
• Champion change management, ensuring smooth transitions and adoption of new systems and processes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

About You

We’re looking for a seasoned leader with the following skills and experience:

• Education: MA or PhD in Life Sciences, IT, or Engineering.
• Experience:
• 10+ years in biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with strong exposure to technical development, R&D project management, and IT implementation.
• 5+ years’ IT leadership experience across multiple technical and business domains.
• Proven track record in process development, validation, and technology transfer.
• Strong understanding of system validation, change control, and compliance processes.
• Leadership:
• Demonstrated success in managing complex, cross-functional projects within matrix organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Experience in leading vendors, contractors, and high-performing teams.
• Desirable: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical development and operations at their Liverpool R&D facility. You will have the chance to lead mission-critical projects, influence innovation strategies, and collaborate with world-class teams.

Hours of work – 9.00am-5.30pm (Mon-Fri)

Daily rate – £800.00 – £820.00 (10 month contract)

Please forward CV in the strictest confidence via link below