Associate Director, R&D Strategy & Strategic Initiatives
Accountabilities:
- Lead strategic analyses addressing key R&D priorities, organizational capabilities, productivity, portfolio considerations, and emerging business opportunities.
- Structure complex and ambiguous strategic questions, formulate hypotheses, conduct targeted research, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Conduct industry benchmarking, competitive intelligence, market assessments, and evaluations of innovative R&D approaches, operating models, and business opportunities.
- Contribute to the development of R&D strategies, long-term organizational priorities, and initiatives designed to strengthen research and development capabilities.
- Independently manage strategic workstreams and special projects from initial problem definition and analysis through recommendations and early-stage implementation.
- Collaborate with Research, Development, Finance, Business Development, and other cross-functional teams to gather insights, assess alternatives, and advance strategic priorities.
- Support initiatives focused on R&D innovation, external partnerships, new operating models, and the continuous evolution of development capabilities.
- Translate strategic recommendations into practical implementation plans and support their execution to ensure progress and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Prepare high-quality executive presentations, strategic narratives, briefing documents, and recommendations to support senior R&D leadership decisions.
- Support organization-wide R&D strategic planning, goal setting, governance, and leadership decision-making processes.
- Synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative information into clear insights, business implications, strategic trade-offs, and recommended actions.
- Coordinate high-priority activities within the R&D leadership office, including leadership meetings, strategic discussions, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Potentially mentor other team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree is preferred. A PhD with approximately 3–4 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with approximately 6 years of experience is particularly desirable. Exceptions may be considered for candidates with equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Professional experience in biopharmaceuticals, life sciences consulting, corporate strategy, business operations, or related fields. Both consulting and industry backgrounds are valued.
- Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including familiarity with drug discovery, clinical development, and the broader R&D value chain.
- Demonstrated ability to independently structure and solve complex, ambiguous strategic problems, develop well-supported recommendations, and manage workstreams with limited supervision.
- Exceptional analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and information-synthesis skills, with the ability to turn complex data into meaningful business insights.
- Excellent executive communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, including the ability to develop clear, compelling, and decision-oriented materials for senior leadership.
- Strong project management and organizational capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate stakeholders, and drive initiatives through to completion.
- Intellectual curiosity, sound business judgment, resourcefulness, and the ability to engage confidently with diverse scientific, operational, and commercial topics.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and engage with senior stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, proactive attitude, attention to detail, and adaptability in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation, take ownership of responsibilities, and deliver high-quality results.
- Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, continuous learning, inclusivity, innovation, and clear communication.
How Jobgether works
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
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