Role Summary
The Executive Director, Regulatory CMC provides strategic leadership for global CMC regulatory activities across all stages of drug development and life cycle management. This role serves as a liaison to health authorities, driving regulatory strategies and high-quality submissions while ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines. It requires deep expertise in small molecule development, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence policies and processes in a fast-paced environment. The candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership to accelerate development and commercialization.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall regulatory CMC strategy for drug development programs and life cycle management, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and timelines.
- Serve as a spokesperson and trusted liaison with FDA and other health authorities, leading negotiations and presenting CMC positions effectively.
- Develop de-risking strategies for CMC development, assess change controls, and identify opportunities to accelerate development in a dynamic environment.
- Lead creation and execution of comprehensive CMC development plans for new products, ensuring integration with Technical Operations and external partners.
- Partner with supply chain, clinical operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure readiness and compliance for clinical and commercial supply.
- Oversee preparation and quality of all CMC regulatory submissions (INDs, BLAs, MAAs, DMFs, IMPDs, amendments, annual reports), providing strategic direction and ensuring global compliance.
- Drive the development and implementation of departmental policies, SOPs, and best practices to support scalability and operational excellence in a growing organization.
- Interpret and communicate regulatory CMC requirements and expectations to internal teams and external partners to ensure program objectives are met.
- Contribute to corporate initiatives aimed at improving regulatory standards, systems, and processes across the organization.
Qualifications
- Masterβs degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific field (PharmD or PhD preferred).
- Minimum 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including at least 7 years in Regulatory CMC.
- Demonstrated experience across early-stage, late-stage development, and life cycle management for small molecule products.
- Comprehensive understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH CMC guidelines, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
- Proven experience preparing and submitting CMC regulatory documents (e.g., INDs, IMPDs, CTAs, BLAs, MAAs) and leading successful interactions with health authorities such as FDA and EMA.
- Track record of developing and executing CMC regulatory strategies, balancing near-term objectives with long-term goals.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment; excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate regulatory viewpoints to diverse audiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and comfortable with both strategic planning and hands-on execution.
Additional Requirements
- Work Location: Remote in the United States, with occasional travel.