Executive Director, Clinical Development
Location: London (hybrid)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time
Overview
This is a senior leadership opportunity within a well-funded, clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative cell-based therapies. The organisation is developing a differentiated pipeline across areas of high unmet medical need, with a focus on translating cutting-edge science into clinically meaningful outcomes.
You will play a central role in shaping and delivering a key clinical programme, working in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment at the intersection of research, clinical development, and manufacturing.
The Role
As Executive Director, Clinical Development, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and execution of a clinical-stage programme, guiding it from early development through to late-stage planning.
This position requires a strong scientific foundation, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively across cross-functional teams. You will contribute to defining the development pathway, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and broader business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development strategy for a novel cell therapy programme across clinical stages
- Drive programme planning, prioritisation, and execution to optimise development timelines and value
- Design and oversee clinical studies, including protocols, endpoints, and operational delivery
- Provide medical and scientific oversight of clinical data, including safety and efficacy interpretation
- Contribute to longer-term development planning, supporting future regulatory submissions
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including research, regulatory, CMC, and commercial functions
- Ensure integration of clinical and translational insights into development strategy
- Maintain awareness of the external scientific and competitive landscape
- Engage with external experts, investigators, and key stakeholders to inform programme development
- Represent the organisation in interactions with regulatory authorities and at scientific forums
- Build and lead a high-performing clinical development team
- Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration
Key Requirements
- Medical degree (MD or equivalent)
- Significant experience in drug development within biotech or pharmaceutical settings
- Demonstrated leadership in advancing therapies through clinical development
- Experience in complex disease areas is advantageous but not essential
- Strong understanding of clinical trial design, regulatory considerations, and translational science
- Ability to balance scientific innovation with strategic and commercial considerations
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
If you are interested and would like to find out more details, please submit your application or reach out to hannah.hollamby@biotalent.com