VP of Global Pharmacovigilance – Pharmaceutical Company – Cambridge, MA

Are you an accomplished pharmacovigilance leader with a deep commitment to patient safety and regulatory excellence? We are seeking a VP of Global Pharmacovigilance to lead safety strategy, compliance, and risk management for an innovative pharmaceutical organization in Cambridge, MA. This is a unique opportunity to influence global safety operations, strengthen PV systems, and ensure the highest standards of product safety across diverse therapeutic areas. If you excel in strategic leadership and thrive in a scientifically driven environment, this role is an exceptional career move.

Lead Worldwide Safety Strategy for a High-Impact Pharmaceutical Organization

A rapidly growing pharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, MA is searching for a VP of Global Pharmacovigilance to oversee and expand its global drug safety initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in pharmacovigilance leadership, regulatory oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. This role offers the chance to build robust safety frameworks, guide product lifecycle safety decisions, and partner closely with clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs teams. If you are passionate about ensuring patient safety and elevating global PV operations, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful impact on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities of the VP of Global Pharmacovigilance – Pharmaceutical Company

Global Safety Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute a comprehensive global pharmacovigilance strategy that ensures patient safety across all products and therapeutic areas. Establish long-term safety goals, enhance PV systems, and align safety operations with evolving regulatory and industry standards.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

Oversee compliance with global regulations including FDA, EMA, MHRA, ICH, and other international health authorities. Ensure timely reporting of adverse events, signal detection, and risk management activities. Maintain audit readiness and lead responses to inspections and regulatory inquiries.

Safety Risk Management & Signal Detection

Lead global safety surveillance programs, including signal detection, evaluation, and risk mitigation. Ensure proactive review of safety data and implement actions to reduce risk across all stages of the product lifecycle—clinical development through post-marketing.

Pharmacovigilance Operations Oversight

Manage global PV operations, including case processing, literature surveillance, aggregate reporting, labeling updates, and safety data management. Optimize workflows, systems, and databases to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, epidemiology, and commercial teams to ensure a unified safety approach. Provide scientific and safety guidance during clinical trial design, regulatory submissions, and product launch activities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead and mentor a global team of PV professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement. Attract, retain, and develop top safety and compliance talent to support expanding product pipelines.

Safety Governance & Committees

Chair or contribute to internal safety governance bodies such as Safety Management Teams, Safety Review Committees, and Risk Management Boards. Present safety data, benefit-risk assessments, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Lifecycle Safety Management

Develop and oversee Risk Management Plans (RMPs), REMS, periodic safety reports (PSURs/PBRERs), and benefit–risk evaluations throughout the product lifecycle. Ensure products maintain a robust and positive safety profile in all global markets.

Vendor & Partner Oversight

Manage relationships with CROs, safety vendors, and global partners to ensure quality, compliance, and performance. Establish clear expectations, oversee audits, and ensure alignment with internal safety standards.

Safety Systems & Technology Optimization

Drive continuous improvement of pharmacovigilance systems, including safety databases, signal detection tools, and automation technologies. Identify innovations that enhance reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and data integrity.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the VP of Global Pharmacovigilance, the client seeks a highly strategic and scientifically grounded leader with deep expertise in global drug safety. You should be a decisive executive capable of navigating complex PV regulations, leading global teams, and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.

Extensive Pharmacovigilance Leadership Experience

The ideal candidate brings substantial leadership experience in global pharmacovigilance within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. A strong background in benefit–risk assessment, post-marketing surveillance, and regulatory reporting is essential. Experience managing global teams and multiple product portfolios is highly valued.

Strategic Thinker with a Global Mindset

You should demonstrate the ability to design and execute long-term pharmacovigilance strategies that support clinical development, regulatory submissions, and product launches. The client values leaders who understand global safety trends, evolving regulations, and emerging technologies.

Deep Regulatory Knowledge

A strong understanding of FDA, EMA, ICH, MHRA, and other global regulatory requirements is critical. The client seeks someone capable of engaging confidently with health authorities, leading inspections, and ensuring continuous compliance.

Scientific Expertise & Analytical Strength

The role requires someone who can interpret complex safety data, identify signals early, and make evidence-based decisions. Scientific training in medicine, pharmacy, or life sciences is highly preferred, with advanced degrees considered an advantage.

Leadership & Team-Building Capability

You should be an inspiring leader who can attract, develop, and mentor top pharmacovigilance talent. The client values executives who build collaborative, high-performing teams and foster a culture of scientific rigor, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

The ideal candidate communicates effectively with clinical, regulatory, medical, and commercial teams. Strong presentation skills, stakeholder engagement capabilities, and the ability to translate science into strategic direction are essential.

Commitment to Patient Safety & Ethical Standards

Above all, the client seeks a leader with a strong ethical foundation and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. You should be adept at balancing scientific evidence, regulatory expectations, and business objectives while maintaining the highest safety standards.

FAQs About the Role – VP of Global Pharmacovigilance

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Global Pharmacovigilance?

You will lead global drug safety strategy, oversee compliance with international regulations, manage PV operations, and guide benefit–risk assessments across all products. Responsibilities also include leading safety governance, managing global teams, supporting regulatory submissions, and ensuring robust lifecycle safety management.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

Candidates should have extensive pharmacovigilance leadership experience within pharma or biotech, ideally at a senior director or VP level. Expertise in global regulations, safety systems, and benefit–risk evaluation is essential. An MD, PharmD, or advanced degree in life sciences is highly preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a strategic, decisive, and collaborative leader with strong analytical skills and the ability to inspire global teams. Excellent communication skills, regulatory awareness, and the ability to navigate complex scientific data are crucial.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

Challenges may include rapidly evolving global safety regulations, growing product portfolios, management of complex data sets, and cross-functional alignment during clinical development and commercialization. Balancing patient safety with regulatory and business needs is a key aspect of the role.

5. What is the expected impact of the VP on the company’s success?

Your leadership will directly influence product safety, regulatory readiness, corporate reputation, and overall organizational success. By maintaining strong safety systems and processes, you will help enable successful product approvals, sustainable growth, and trust with patients and regulators.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The organization fosters a collaborative, science-driven, and patient-focused culture. They value integrity, innovation, teamwork, and open communication. As a senior leader, you will help shape and strengthen the pharmacovigilance culture across global teams.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the VP of Global Pharmacovigilance at a leading pharmaceutical company in Cambridge, MA, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package reflective of the critical responsibility of overseeing global drug safety and regulatory compliance. Compensation typically includes a blend of fixed pay, performance incentives, and long-term rewards aligned with company growth and patient safety outcomes.

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a VP of Global Pharmacovigilance in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector generally ranges from $250,000 to $420,000 annually, depending on company size, product portfolio, and stage of development. Larger or publicly traded organizations may offer higher compensation within or above this range.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to fixed salary, performance incentives form a significant portion of total earnings. Annual performance-based bonuses—typically between 20% and 50% of the base salary—are tied to key achievements such as regulatory milestones, inspection readiness, successful audits, operational efficiency, and product lifecycle safety performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies often provide equity-based incentives, including stock options, RSUs, or performance shares. These incentives reward long-term impact, align leaders with shareholder value, and reflect strategic contributions to global safety and regulatory excellence. For high-growth biotech firms, equity can represent a substantial part of the overall package.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Many organizations offer LTIPs that recognize sustained contributions to global pharmacovigilance operations and patient safety over multiple years. These plans may include multi-year performance bonuses, stock vesting schedules, or profit-sharing frameworks tied to long-term success and market expansion.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

Typical executive-level benefits include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with company match or executive retirement plans
Annual professional development budgets
Paid conferences and scientific/industry event participation
Executive wellness and mental health programs
Travel allowances for global safety and regulatory engagements
Flexible work arrangements where applicable

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For top-tier VP candidates, companies may extend signing bonuses and/or relocation support, especially when relocating to Cambridge, MA—one of the world’s largest biotech hubs. These one-time incentives can vary from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on candidate experience and business urgency.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, total compensation for a VP of Global Pharmacovigilance can range from $350,000 to over $1 million annually, particularly in high-growth, publicly traded, or late-stage clinical organizations.

How to Apply

If you are an accomplished pharmacovigilance leader with a passion for patient safety, regulatory excellence, and global drug safety strategy, we invite you to apply for the VP of Global Pharmacovigilance – Pharmaceutical Company – Cambridge, MA position. This is a rare opportunity to influence global safety programs, strengthen PV systems, and lead a team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of patient protection.

To apply, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your experience in global pharmacovigilance leadership, regulatory compliance, benefit–risk assessment, safety governance, team development, and lifecycle safety management. Highlight your contributions to inspection readiness, global collaboration, signal detection, and operational excellence.

This role offers an opportunity to make an extraordinary impact on global patient safety, contribute to regulatory success, and shape safety frameworks across diverse therapeutic areas. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as VP of Global Pharmacovigilance in one of the world’s leading biotech hubs—Cambridge, MA.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Pharmacovigilance & Drug Safety Executive Search Page.

Job Category: Pharmacovigilance

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Cambridge

VP of Global Pharmacovigilance – Pharmaceutical Company – Cambridge, MA