Role Overview for EVP, Head of Global Clinical Trials with a Specialty Pharma – Princeton, NJ
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative leader to join our client, a pioneering specialty pharmaceutical company based in the vibrant biopharma hub of Princeton, New Jersey. We are seeking an Executive Vice President (EVP), Head of Global Clinical Trials, a paramount role responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and oversight of the company’s entire clinical development pipeline. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of medicine and directly impact patient lives on a global scale.
The successful candidate will be a visionary executive with a profound understanding of clinical science, drug development, and regulatory affairs. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will report directly to the Chief Medical Officer and will hold ultimate accountability for the successful delivery of all clinical programs, from first-in-human studies through to post-marketing commitments. You will be instrumental in building and scaling a world-class clinical operations organization, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and unwavering commitment to quality and patient safety.
This position demands a leader who can seamlessly integrate scientific expertise with business acumen, navigating the complexities of a dynamic global healthcare landscape. You will be the architect of the clinical strategy that supports the company’s ambitious growth objectives, ensuring that all trials are designed and executed to the highest ethical and scientific standards, on time and within budget. Your leadership will be critical in advancing a portfolio of innovative therapies through the development lifecycle, ultimately bringing new hope to patients with unmet medical needs. You will be a strategic partner to R&D, commercial, and corporate functions, providing critical clinical insights that inform portfolio decisions, business development opportunities, and long-range corporate planning. This is more than a job; it is a legacy-defining role for an executive ready to lead at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Head of Global Clinical Trials with a Specialty Pharma – Princeton, NJ
The EVP, Head of Global Clinical Trials will have a broad and impactful remit, encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, and organizational development. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management
- Develop, articulate, and execute the overarching global clinical development strategy in alignment with corporate goals and the target product profiles.
- Provide expert clinical and scientific leadership for all programs across the development pipeline, from Phase I to Phase IV, including life cycle management.
- Chair the Clinical Development Committee, driving data-driven decisions on trial design, progression, and portfolio prioritization.
- Continuously assess the external landscape for emerging scientific advancements, competitive threats, and new therapeutic opportunities to ensure the company’s pipeline remains innovative and competitive.
- Collaborate closely with the executive team on long-range strategic planning, resource allocation, and potential M&A or licensing activities.
Clinical Operations & Execution Excellence
- Assume ultimate accountability for the operational execution of all global clinical trials, ensuring they are completed on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the design of robust, scientifically sound, and efficient clinical trial protocols that are optimized for successful regulatory submission and market access.
- Lead the global clinical operations team, providing mentorship and direction to ensure flawless execution of trial logistics, site selection and management, patient recruitment, and data collection.
- Direct the selection, oversight, and management of Contract Research Organizations (CROs), central labs, and other external vendors, establishing rigorous performance metrics and fostering true partnership.
- Champion the implementation of innovative technologies and methodologies, such as decentralized trials, real-world evidence, and advanced data analytics, to enhance trial efficiency and data quality.
Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
- Ensure all clinical development activities adhere strictly to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and all applicable global regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary clinical representative in key interactions with global health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and PMDA.
- Lead the clinical contributions to regulatory submissions, including Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, New Drug Applications (NDAs), Biologics License Applications (BLAs), and Marketing Authorization Applications (MAAs).
- Oversee the pharmacovigilance and drug safety functions related to clinical trials, ensuring robust safety monitoring and reporting systems are in place. For more information on trial standards, refer to the official U.S. government registry of clinical trials.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing global team of professionals across clinical operations, clinical science, data management, biostatistics, and medical writing.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-accountability culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier talent in the industry.
- Establish clear organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities to ensure efficient workflow and communication.
- Champion professional development and provide ongoing coaching to cultivate the next generation of clinical leaders within the organization.
Financial & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global clinical development budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and fiscal responsibility.
- Provide regular, transparent updates on clinical program status, milestones, risks, and budgets to the executive team and Board of Directors.
- Serve as a compelling external spokesperson for the company’s clinical programs to the investment community, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and at major scientific conferences.
Requirements for the EVP, Head of Global Clinical Trials with a Specialty Pharma – Princeton, NJ
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and respected leader with a proven track record of success in leading global clinical development programs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Educational Background
An advanced degree is required. MD, PhD, or PharmD is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role with direct oversight of global clinical trial strategy and execution.
Drug Development Expertise
Demonstrated success in leading clinical programs from early development (Phase I) through to successful regulatory approval (Phase III/NDA/BLA) in major markets.
Therapeutic Area Knowledge
Deep experience in one or more complex therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, neurology, rare diseases, or cardiovascular medicine is highly desirable.
Global Regulatory Acumen
Extensive, hands-on experience interacting with global regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, etc.) and a thorough understanding of the global regulatory landscape and approval processes.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to build and lead large, multi-disciplinary global teams. A track record of attracting, retaining, and developing top talent is essential. Must possess exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Operational Excellence
Strong experience in managing CROs and other vendors, coupled with robust financial acumen for budget development and oversight of complex clinical programs.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a wide range of audiences, from internal teams to external stakeholders and investors, is critical.
Personal Attributes
High ethical standards, a strong sense of urgency, scientific curiosity, resilience, and a collaborative spirit. Must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive, executive-level compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the best leaders in the industry. The comprehensive package includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Plan
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity tied to individual and corporate goal achievement.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options and/or RSUs) that provides a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, along with company-sponsored wellness programs and a generous health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, executive coaching, and attendance at key industry conferences.
Additional Perks
Including life insurance, disability coverage, and other executive-level perquisites.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership opportunity, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. We connect innovative companies with transformative leaders who drive scientific progress and commercial success. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a profound impact with our client.
