Head of R&D

Are you an organic chemist who knows how to connect chemistry with business, and who brings a pragmatic, solution-focused mindset?  We offer a unique and engaging opportunity to guide talented teams across multiple sites and combine chemistry, strategy and a commercial mindset to deliver a wide range of R&D services to our customers.

What does your role look like?

As Head of R&D, you will take on the dynamic combination of a scientific, entrepreneurial, strategic leadership role in the Drug Substance Business Unit. We are looking for an expert who ensures coordination of R&D activities and evaluation of the feasibility of potential CDMO projects together with the Head of Business Development. In this role, you will be the point of contact internally and externally regarding the R&D activities. You will define and execute the R&D strategy across multiple sites, ensuring full alignment with business objectives while driving scientific and operational excellence. Acting as the bridge between research, production, and commercial functions, you translate innovation into tangible results, from early-stage development to technology transfer and scale-up. Through your leadership, you will foster collaboration and ensure that our R&D capabilities remain competitive and compliant in a dynamic, fast-evolving market.

·         Drive innovation in API development and GMP production through integration of synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering — optimizing routes, process design, and scale-up for robustness, safety, and manufacturability.

·         Coordinate R&D activities across multiple sites, ensuring consistent standards, communication, and project governance, ensuring delivery of projects within agreed deadlines and commitments.

·         Act as the primary technical lead for the CDMO activities, both internally and in client discussions, supporting proposal development and project acquisition. This requires a solution driven mindset, even if this requires an unconventional way of thinking.

·         Accountable for R&D portfolio, programs & project management discipline, leading all R&D initiatives from scoping to execution and delivery of milestones across the stage gate process.

·         Define, implement, and monitor the R&D strategy aligned with Business Unit and Group objectives.

·         Collaborate with Business Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs to secure seamless technology transfer. Build, inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing cross-site teams with a culture of accountability and innovation.

·         Ensure GMP, SHE, and quality compliance across all projects and sites.

·         Monitor market and scientific trends to identify new opportunities and steer innovation proposals.

·         PhD in Organic Chemistry, or a related field.

·         Strong commercially driven, entrepreneurial, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.

·         Experience in a CDMO environment is preferred.

·         Affinity with the pharmaceutical industry, with solid knowledge of GMP and GDP guidelines.

·         In-depth understanding of API manufacturing processes.

·         Excellent communication abilities and customer orientation.

·         Portfolio, Program & Project management in R&D environment (PMP or P30 preferred)

·         Fluency in English, additional languages are a plus.

·         A 40-hour work week, on-site in Ter Apel, Groningen.

·         A market-based salary depending on knowledge and experience.

·         28 vacation days [fulltime], 8% holiday allowance, a good travel expense reimbursement, and a pension scheme.

·         A position offering plenty of variety, diversity, freedom, and responsibility.

·         Opportunities for development and personal growth.

·         An active staff association that regularly organizes enjoyable company outings.