Sector Leader - Life Science

Life Science Sector Leader HED is looking for an experienced leader to join our Sector Leadership team. The person will work with the National Science and Technology team to spearhead design and business strategy for cutting‑edge biotech facilities that enable innovation in drug development, biologics, and advanced therapies. About HED We are a team full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture embraces change, encourages continual learning, and inspires collective growth, while valuing diverse perspectives and expertise. Position Overview This role blends technical expertise with visionary leadership to create environments that support research, manufacturing, and compliance in a rapidly evolving industry. The Life Science Sector Leader drives the strategic vision, growth, and operational excellence of the Life Sciences design practice, combining leadership, business development, and technical expertise to deliver innovative, compliant, and sustainable design solutions for clients in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Define and execute the practice’s strategic plan aligned with corporate goals. Establish design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks for life science projects. Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and innovation. Develop and implement a design vision that aligns with biotech companies’ mission to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. Establish best practices for facility design that optimize flexibility, scalability, and sustainability for biotech operations. Stay ahead of emerging trends in cell and gene therapy, biologics manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Business Development & Client Engagement Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver world‑class biotech facilities. Lead design proposals for new labs, pilot plants, and GMP manufacturing spaces tailored to biotech needs. Represent the company at biotech industry forums and thought‑leadership events. Build and maintain strong client relationships to expand market share in the life sciences sector. Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and lead proposal efforts. Market Strategy & Growth Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy with the Science and Technology team for the life sciences sector aligned with corporate objectives. Identify emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes to position the company as an industry leader. Define target markets, service offerings, and go‑to‑market strategies to drive revenue growth. Technical Excellence & Project Delivery Oversee design execution for complex biotech facilities, ensuring compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and global standards. Integrate advanced technologies such as modular cleanrooms, single‑use systems, and digital design tools (BIM). Ensure designs support innovation, operational efficiency, and rapid scale‑up for clinical and commercial production. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design teams across architecture, engineering, and process disciplines. Ensure projects meet client expectations for functionality, sustainability, and cost‑effectiveness. Team Leadership & Development Recruit top talent with expertise in biotech facility design, including architects, engineers, and process specialists. Provide structured mentorship programs and individualized development plans to help team members advance their technical and leadership skills. Create an environment that encourages cross‑functional teamwork between design, operations, and regulatory teams. Promote a culture that values creativity, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement to stay ahead of industry trends. Set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability measures; conduct regular performance reviews to drive excellence. Implement ongoing training programs focused on GMP compliance, emerging biotech technologies, and digital design tools such as BIM and Revit. Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects, balancing workload and maintaining efficiency. Identify and groom future leaders to support succession planning and long‑term growth. Sector Leadership & Collaboration Serve as the internal advocate for the life sciences sector, ensuring alignment across design, engineering, and delivery teams. Collaborate with business leaders, practice leaders, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions that meet client expectations. Provide market insights and guidance to inform project strategies and innovation initiatives. Financial & Operational Performance Set and monitor sector performance metrics, including revenue, profitability, and market share. Develop annual business plans and budgets for the sector. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and industry regulations. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of experience in life sciences facility design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Deep knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory requirements. Proven track record in business development and client relationship management. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Exceptional business development, client relationship, and strategic planning skills. Preferred Skills Experience with advanced technologies such as modular design, cleanroom systems, and sustainability practices. Familiarity with digital design tools (BIM, Revit) and data‑driven design approaches. Ability to influence and lead cross‑functional teams in a matrix organization. Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors. Strong communication and presentation skills for executive‑level engagement. #J-18808-Ljbffr HED