Development Program Lead Science & Innovation (m/f/d)

As the experts in digestive and metabolic medicine and as a family-owned business with a global presence, we focus on developing and marketing innovative medicines to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or eosinophilic esophagitis as well as hepatobiliary disorders such as primary biliary cholangitis. Our aim: to meaningfully improve therapeutic practice as well as patient health and well-being. We firmly believe that medical progress can only be achieved by working together.

Your tasks

The Development Program Lead (DPL) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of a development program from the early stages through to approval. The DPL develops the cross‑functional development strategy in collaboration with the Integrated Development Team (IDT), oversees its implementation across all functions, and serves as the central point of contact for the Steering Committee and external partners. The IDT consists of the following functions: Pre‑ & Early Clinical Research, Clinical Research, CMC Project Management, Global Safety, Global Medical, Global Commercial New Products, Global Market Access, Intellectual Property and Technical Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• The DPL and IDT ensure that the project is advanced in a scientifically sound, efficient, and regulatory‑compliant manner, with optimal use of resources
• The DPL should possess a broad, cross‑functional skill set and act less as a subject matter expert (SME) in a single area
• When development programs are carried out in collaboration with external partners, the DPL also assumes the role of the Alliance Manager
• The DPL assists in coordinating timelines, risks, resources, and budgets across programs with the Head of CPMO and the Steering Committee
• The DPL implements project management standards, processes, and templates across all pre‑clinical and clinical projects

Your qualification

• Degree in a medical or scientific field
• Several years of experience in drug development (e.g., preclinical or clinical development in Phases I–III) and cross‑functional program management
• Strong project management skills (certification PMI, Prince2 or similar highly preferred) with a minimum of 5 years project management experience
• Experience in a regulated work environment
• In‑depth knowledge of GxP and regulatory standards
• Industry experience (pharmaceuticals or biotechnology)
• Basic knowledge of hepatology and gastroenterology is a plus

Furthermore

• Strong leadership and influence skills within a matrix organization
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams
• Excellent communication skills in English; German language is beneficial
• Ability to present complex scientific content clearly, precisely, and in a manner tailored to the target audience
• Strong decision‑making skills and sovereignty in dynamic or uncertain situations; ability to make high‑quality decisions under time pressure
• We support hybrid working arrangements: remote work is possible, but we place value on consistent on‑site presence to ensure effective teamwork and communication

Your Benefits

• Supportive, respectful and appreciative work atmosphere in a small, dedicated team
• Diverse learning culture and individual development opportunities
• International and growing family business with short decision‑making processes, financial independence and long‑term perspective
• New work, flexible working hours and mobile working
• Wide range of benefits (free beverages, health and sports benefits, canteen, JobRad)
• Comprehensive onboarding and mentoring program

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sabine Aicher at or call . We look forward to receiving your application via our online portal.

HR department

Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH

Leinenweberstraße 5

79108 Freiburg im Breisgau