HODDESDON

Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 sites across the UK, US and China, and we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make—just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers.
We are looking for an Associate Director or Director, Process Chemistry to join our world class team based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

EDUCATION

• PhD in Organic Chemistry preferred or equivalent experience

EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years in the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry post PhD.
• Proven expertise in API manufacture and GMP operations.
• Strong track record in process chemistry, project management, and solving complex synthetic challenges.
• Experience managing multiple teams and participating in regulatory/client audits.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional scientific collaboration and staff supervision.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Deep understanding of process chemistry fundamentals.
• Commercially minded with a focus on delivery excellence and business growth.
• Strong planning, organization, and cross-functional project management skills.
• Excellent scientific judgment, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder and relationship management.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and data management tools.

YOUR ROLE IN SHAPING TOMORROW

As an Associate Director or Director in our Process Chemistry Department, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role driving strategic alignment, resource planning, and complex issue resolution across cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic leadership: Shape departmental scientific direction, aligning with client needs and company goals.
• Project oversight: Manage a portfolio of client projects, budgets, and departmental objectives.
• Team Management: Lead teams to meet project milestones; mentor and develop staff through coaching and performance reviews.
• Client Engagement: Support quotations and proposal creation, negotiation, and contract realization.
• Marketing: Support the marketing team in content creation and attending conferences.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to GLP/GMP standards, SOPs, and corporate policies.
• Decision support: Guide scientific staff in making critical decisions aligned with regulatory and strategic frameworks.
• Best practices: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance client deliverables.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain high standards of organization, efficiency and attention to detail in all work