Global Head R&D

Global Research & Development Director

Please note that this position would require relocation to Middle East Region

Do you want to shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation by leading end-to-end Research and Development across a growing manufacturing organisation?

Are you ready to lead multidisciplinary scientific teams that deliver high-quality products from concept through to commercial manufacture?

Do you thrive in a strategic leadership role where scientific excellence, innovation, and regulatory compliance drive business growth?

Fraser Dove International is partnering exclusively with an established pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation. Operating in the Middle East, they are committed to developing and manufacturing high-quality medicines through scientific excellence, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

Our client is seeking a strategic leader to oversee all Research and Development activities, delivering innovative products while supporting technology transfer, regulatory success, and organisational growth.

Discover more about our Research & Development Director opportunity; its objectives, duties/responsibilities and the skills, experience and competencies needed to succeed.

Your objectives:

As the Research & Development Director, you will be measured against the following objectives:

• Deliver a high-performing Research and Development pipeline by ensuring projects are completed on time, meet regulatory requirements, and support business growth.
• Build and lead a high-performing scientific organisation that drives innovation, develops talent, and strengthens cross-functional collaboration.
• Successfully transfer new products into Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing while maintaining quality, compliance, and budget performance.

What you will do:

As the Research & Development Director, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead end-to-end development of finished pharmaceutical products across multiple dosage forms.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams covering formulation development, analytical development, packaging, bioequivalence, intellectual property, scientific affairs, and project management.
• Develop and execute Research and Development strategies that align with business priorities and product portfolio objectives.
• Lead technology transfer activities into internal and external manufacturing sites while ensuring operational readiness.
• Provide technical leadership for regulatory submissions, product lifecycle management, and responses to health authority enquiries.
• Manage Research and Development budgets, capital expenditure, and resource planning while ensuring financial discipline.
• Build scientific capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you will bring:

These are the skills and experience you will need to succeed as the Research & Development Director:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within pharmaceutical Research and Development.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary product development teams in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Strong experience in technology transfer, product scale-up, and commercial manufacturing readiness.
• Extensive knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), and global regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, manage complex portfolios, and deliver strategic business objectives.
• PhD or Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people development skills.

What you will get:

These are the perks and benefits that will complement your generous base salary:

• Competitive Salary
• Relocation
• Housing
• Car
• Bonus

Got what it takes?

To apply for the Research & Development Director, click the Apply button below or contact the Executive Search Consultant – [Peter Vedde] – on View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Please Note:

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other