Executive Director, Pharmaceutical Development

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company’s diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

At Neurocrine, strong leadership drives both business results and team success. We look for leaders who think strategically, anticipate what’s ahead and set clear direction, while building and empowering high-performing teams. Successful leaders foster an environment where people are motivated to do their best work and deliver meaningful, measurable impact through sound decision-making and accountability.

About the Role:

Recommends a vision and leads the strategic direction of the pharmaceutical development function; overseeing formulation, drug product development, manufacturing readiness, and CMC innovation across the portfolio. Ensures efficient progression of assets from early development through commercialization while aligning with corporate goals, regulatory requirements, and industry trends. Serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on development strategy, manufacturing technologies, and portfolio decisions, while building organizational capabilities and developing future leaders. Drives cross-functional initiatives and external collaborations, fostering innovation, operational excellence, and a strong patient-focused culture. Partners with leaders across Clinical, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, Safety, and Commercial to ensure CMC strategies, risks, and mitigation plans are communicated in support of global filings and approvals.

_

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Establish and execute the long-term vision, strategy, and operating model for Pharmaceutical Development, ensuring alignment with portfolio objectives and corporate strategy
• Provide strategic leadership for formulation development, drug product process development, technology transfer, process validation, manufacturing readiness, and lifecycle management across development programs
• Serve as a key member of the Technical Operations leadership teams, influencing portfolio decisions, resource allocation, risk mitigation strategies, and investment priorities
• Drive innovation through evaluation and implementation of emerging formulation technologies, advanced manufacturing approaches, digital tools, and external scientific partnerships
• Lead organization-wide initiatives to enhance Pharmaceutical Development capabilities, operational excellence, scalability, and regulatory readiness
• Provide executive oversight for development and commercialization strategies for sterile, parenteral, combination product, and other advanced dosage form programs
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Technical Operations, Clinical Development, Program Leadership, Supply Chain, and Commercial organizations to develop and drive integrated development and execution strategies
• Anticipate and address complex scientific, technical, operational, and business challenges with broad organizational impact
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with CDMOs, technology partners, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and industry experts
• Represent the company externally through scientific publications, conference presentations, industry forums, advisory boards, and strategic collaborations
• Develop organizational talent through coaching, succession planning, leadership development, and creation of a high-performing and inclusive culture
• Establish enterprise metrics and performance frameworks that ensure execution excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the Pharmaceutical Development function

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological, Chemical, or Pharmaceutical sciences/engineering or related field AND 16+ years of applicable experience OR
• Master’s degree in Biological, Chemical, or Pharmaceutical sciences/engineering or related field AND 14+ years of applicable experience OR
• Ph.D. degree in Biological, Chemical, or Pharmaceutical sciences/engineering or related field AND 12+ years of applicable experience
• Recognized internally and externally as a leader in pharmaceutical development, formulation sciences, and drug product development
• Acts as a “trusted advisor” across the company and possesses industry-leading knowledge
• Demonstrated success developing and executing long-term functional strategies that drive portfolio advancement and organizational performance
• Extensive expertise in formulation development, process development, technology transfer, process validation, manufacturing sciences, regulatory strategy, and commercialization readiness
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and shape decisions affecting portfolio strategy, resource allocation, and organizational priorities
• Deep understanding of global regulatory expectations, quality systems, cGMP requirements, and evolving industry trends
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance scientific innovation, operational execution, risk management, and investment priorities
• Experience leading large, complex, cross-functional organizations and developing high-performing leaders and teams
• Demonstrated success managing strategic external partnerships, CDMOs, technology providers, and key industry stakeholders
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, including interactions with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, external partners, and scientific organizations
• Track record of driving transformational change, organizational capability building, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Recognized ability to anticipate future business and industry trends and translate them into actionable strategic plans
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering innovation, developing talent, and creating a culture aligned with the company’s mission and values

#LI-DM1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

_

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $231,500.00-$316,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Read Full Description