​Role: Senior Director, Test Method Systems & Moulding

Industry: Pharma/Bio (Combination Product)  

Location: US

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Discovery

Our client, a leading US-headquartered global biopharmaceutical organisation with over 40,000 employees, was scaling rapidly due to growth across its biologics and combination product portfolio. To support this, the business sought to strengthen leadership within its Delivery Devices Division by appointing a Senior Director, Test Method Systems & Moulding.

This newly created position would be responsible for:

• Leading a large multi-disciplinary team across engineering and quality functions

• Driving innovation and standardisation in test method systems and moulding for delivery devices

• Partnering globally across manufacturing and R&D to enable combination product development and commercialisation

The talent pool for this role was extremely limited. The brief required candidates to have extensive combination-product expertise (drug–device interface) with advanced technical capability in injection moulding and test method engineering. In addition, proven leadership in a regulated environment was crucial to the role.

Location added further complexity, with intense regional competition for senior technical talent and limited relocation appeal due to cost dynamics.

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Reach

We delivered a US-focused executive search targeting:

• Senior technical and operations leaders in leading biopharma and medical device manufacturers with established combination product pipelines

• Competitor organisations known for advanced delivery device and drug–device integration capabilities

• A select number of specialist contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs)

Our research combined market mapping, discreet networking, and targeted outreach to identify individuals performing equivalent roles in directly comparable environments. Close partnership with the client’s HR and technical leadership ensured alignment on technical scope, leadership expectations and market realities throughout.

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Assessment

We evaluated candidates for technical expertise and their ability to lead high-performing teams across global R&D and manufacturing. Cultural alignment, capacity to scale and experience supporting fast-growth product portfolios were key. Regional competition and relocation constraints were assessed early to prioritise viable, high-value candidates.​

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Impact

The successful appointee joined from a direct competitor, where they led an equivalent function in a regulated US biologics and delivery device environment. With 15+ years of device development and test method leadership, alongside proven moulding and verification expertise, they brought immediate relevance and capability. 

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​Get In Touch

To discuss how we can support your Executive Search and Contract & Interim requirements contact:

Ciarán McCaughey – Managing Director – Executive Search | ciaran.mccaughey@hrmrecruit.com | +35383 1420673

Shane Browne – Managing Director – International Operations | shane.browne@hrmrecruit.com | +353 1 6321865

Arlene Moran – Managing Director – Contract & Interim | arlene.moran@hrmrecruit.com | +353 86 3656648