Executive Director Clinical Development

We are partnering with a global, research‑driven pharmaceutical organisation to appoint an Executive Director Clinical development within its obesity and metabolic disease portfolio.

This is a senior leadership role with end‑to‑end accountability for the clinical development of a high‑priority asset, with particular focus on obesity, diabetes, and incretin‑based therapies.

The position offers the opportunity to shape late‑stage clinical strategy, influence key regulatory decisions, and lead global, cross‑functional teams through critical development milestones.

The Role

You will define and execute a comprehensive clinical development strategy from post‑Proof of Concept through registration and lifecycle planning.

Operating at the centre of a global matrix, you will integrate clinical, regulatory, and commercial perspectives, ensuring the programme is scientifically robust, strategically differentiated, and positioned for long‑term value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and continuous evolution of the clinical development plan across Phase II/III and registration stages
• Own the clinical strategy at programme level, contributing directly to the Target Product Profile, asset narrative, and value proposition
• Drive late‑stage decision‑making, including study design, filing strategy, label considerations, and go/no‑go decisions
• Translate complex clinical data into clear strategic insights to inform governance and portfolio decisions
• Lead and develop a cross‑functional clinical team, including Clinical Program Leaders and scientific personnel, within a global matrix
• Engage with senior governance bodies, providing recommendations to executive leadership and decision‑making committees
• Represent the programme in interactions with global regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA), shaping regulatory strategy and supporting key submissions

The Profile

This role requires a clinical leader with deep expertise in metabolic disease and a proven track record of leading complex, late‑stage clinical development programmes.

Experience & Expertise

• MD or PhD in a relevant scientific or medical discipline
• ~6–10 years’ experience in clinical drug development within pharma and/or academia, ideally in an international setting
• Demonstrated expertise in obesity, diabetes, or incretin‑based (GLP‑1) therapies
• Significant recent experience leading Phase II/III and/or registration‑stage programmes, including:

-Regulatory submissions and late‑stage strategic decision‑making (e.g. filing strategy, label positioning)

-Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end product lifecycle, including pre‑launch and lifecycle management

Why Join

This role offers a rare opportunity to:

• Take full ownership of a high‑profile clinical programme in one of the most dynamic and competitive therapy areas
• Shape late‑stage strategy and regulatory positioning for assets with significant commercial and patient impact
• Influence enterprise‑level decisions within a global organisation
• Lead and develop a talented, international team in a scientifically driven environment

If this opportunity aligns with your expertise and ambitions, we would welcome a confidential discussion.