Head of Pharmaceutical R&D PTDC-F

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love.

Pharma Global Technical Operations (PT) is the organization that manufactures and delivers Roche’s groundbreaking therapies to 127 million patients around the world. PT is involved in producing every Roche medicine – from the development process through clinical trials – and continuing to product maturity. Our organization coordinates all aspects of production of Roche medicines in all disease areas and dosage forms.

Pharma Technical Development (PTD) is integral to Roche’s mission to develop innovative and transformative meaningful medicines for patients by applying leading technical expertise to design, develop, supply, and register clinical stage products globally.

Within PTD, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development (PTDC) leverages advanced science and technology to drive the development of synthetic molecules from first-in-human studies through commercialization. Based in Basel, Switzerland, our team of approximately 700 experts works collaboratively to bring our vision to life, delivering impactful solutions that support our mission and uphold our core values.

The Opportunity

In the position as Head of Pharmaceutical R&D, you will be accountable for consistently and effectively:

• Lead Pharmaceutical R&D by driving scientific excellence in solid-state sciences, formulation development, and drug delivery technologies.
• Develop robust, scalable manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial drug products, ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Innovate and implement new technologies in pharmaceutical development, including digital solutions, predictive modeling, and automation.
• Ensure regulatory readiness for global health authorities, leading efforts in compliance, GMP standards, and Pre-Approval Inspections (PAI).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with research, process development, quality, and regulatory teams to streamline product development.
• Oversee clinical supply manufacturing, ensuring quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery of drug products for global trials.
• Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Partner with external and internal stakeholders, including launch sites, contract manufacturers, and industry leaders, to enhance product development.
• Embed operational excellence and digital transformation, shifting from reactive problem-solving to predictive, data-driven decision-making.

Who You Are:

• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical development for Synthetic Molecules, including cross-functional team leadership and end-to-end process expertise.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in multiple facets of technical development with sound judgment and decision making framework
• Outstanding knowledge of regulatory guidelines and standards for pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing and cGMP and SHE requirements practices
• Consistent track record of developing diverse, high performing organizations and teams with high standards for scientific excellence, driving innovation and operational effectiveness
• Skilled in managing complex stakeholder relationships, leading transformative initiatives, and ensuring rapid, high-impact decision-making.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues that influence business direction and drive changes within the industry or discipline.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, complemented by strong financial acumen and budget management experience.

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Basel is the headquarters of the Roche Group and one of its most important centres of pharmaceutical research. Over 10,700 employees from over 100 countries come together at our Basel/Kaiseraugst site, which is one of Roche`s largest sites. Read more.

Besides extensive development and training opportunities, we offer flexible working options, 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 weeks of gender independent partnership leave. Our employees also benefit from multiple services on site such as child-care facilities, medical services, restaurants and cafeterias, as well as various employee events.

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and strive to identify and create opportunities that enable all people to bring their unique selves to Roche.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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