​Role: Senior Director, Global Analytical Development

Industry: Generics Pharmaceutical

Location: UK

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Discovery

A global generics pharmaceutical organisation, with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion and significant R&D operations in the UK, engaged HRM to identify and appoint a Senior Director, Global Analytical Development. The role held strategic responsibility for leading analytical development activities across global R&D, ensuring scientific excellence, compliance and alignment with the company’s product development strategy for small molecule drug products.

This executive search presented a highly specific technical and leadership brief. This included proven expertise in analytical development for small molecule drug products, extensive understanding around regulatory expectations and analytical strategies supporting development and commercialisation, and a track record in leadership and stakeholder management within large-scale R&D organisations.

The client’s preference for a UK-based appointment added complexity, as the local market for such niche expertise was limited.

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Reach

Our Talent Intelligence team conducted a targeted search across the UK and broader European pharmaceutical market, focusing on candidates from major generics and pharmaceutical organisations. Our approach included mapping competitors with comparable analytical and product development structures, identifying leaders with hands-on analytical development experience and relevant product exposure, and engaging candidates who combined scientific expertise with leadership experience and cultural fit.

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​Assessment

Shortlisted candidates were evaluated for their technical and scientific expertise in small molecule analytical development, leadership of multi-site R&D teams and ability to deliver robust analytical strategies supporting global product pipelines. Candidates were also assessed on cultural alignment with the client’s values and strategic priorities. Close collaboration with the client ensured clarity on success criteria and candidate expectations throughout the process.​

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Impact

We appointed a Senior Director from a directly comparable competitor who brought extensive experience in analytical development, multi-site leadership and global product strategy execution. This appointment has strengthened the client’s analytical leadership capability within its UK R&D hub, supporting the advancement of the current portfolio and enabling the development of future product platforms.

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Explore the rest of our Executive Search case studies here.

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CONTACT US

Wherever they are in the world, we'll find them

Reach out to Shane Browne, Managing Director - International Operations (shane.browne@hrmrecruit.com).

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