Role Overview for EVP, Global Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance with a Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
JRG Partners is proud to represent a leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company in their search for an Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance. This is a paramount leadership position based in the company’s strategic hub in Princeton, NJ. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing the global pharmacovigilance and risk management strategy for the company’s entire portfolio, from development through post-marketing.
This executive role demands a profound understanding of the global regulatory landscape, a passion for patient safety, and the strategic acumen to lead a large, multinational organization. As the EVP, you will serve as the company’s ultimate authority on drug safety, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence, and scientific rigor. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical insights that influence clinical development, corporate strategy, and commercial success. Your leadership will directly impact patient well-being worldwide by ensuring the continuous and proactive assessment of the benefit-risk profile of all company products. This position requires an individual with exceptional leadership presence, capable of inspiring a global team, navigating complex regulatory challenges, and fostering a culture where patient safety is the foremost priority.
You will be entrusted with building and maintaining robust systems and processes that can scale with a growing and diverse pipeline. This includes leveraging cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance signal detection and risk assessment capabilities. Your ability to collaborate effectively with other executive leaders in Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, and Commercial departments will be crucial for integrated and effective product stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to define the future of pharmacovigilance within a dynamic and innovative organization committed to bringing life-changing therapies to patients in need.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance with a Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
Global Strategic Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement the long-term vision and global strategy for the Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance (DSPV) function, ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives and R&D goals.
Regulatory Compliance and Inspection Readiness
Serve as the primary point of contact for all global health authorities on pharmacovigilance matters. Ensure unwavering compliance with all applicable international regulations, guidelines, and standards, including FDA, EMA, and PMDA requirements and adherence to Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP). Guarantee constant inspection readiness across all regions.
Benefit-Risk Management
Provide ultimate oversight for the continuous monitoring and assessment of the benefit-risk profile of all investigational and marketed products. Lead the development and implementation of global Risk Management Plans (RMPs) and Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS).
Operational Excellence and Innovation
Lead a large, global team responsible for all aspects of PV operations, including individual case safety report (ICSR) processing, aggregate reporting (DSURs, PBRERs), signal detection, and safety data analysis. Drive efficiency, quality, and innovation through the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
Executive and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as the key safety expert on executive governance committees. Collaborate seamlessly with leaders in Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Legal to provide strategic safety input throughout the product lifecycle.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing global DSPV organization. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Attract and retain top-tier talent in the industry.
Medical Safety and Surveillance
Provide expert medical oversight for the interpretation of safety data. Chair the company’s highest-level safety governance committees, making critical decisions on product safety issues and communicating them effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Fiscal and Resource Management
Develop and manage the global departmental budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources to meet strategic objectives. Oversee relationships with vendors, CROs, and other external partners.
Requirements for the EVP, Global Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance with a Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
Educational Background
An MD is strongly required. Advanced degrees (PhD, MPH) or specialty board certification are highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles (VP level or higher) within global drug safety and pharmacovigilance.
Global Expertise
Demonstrated experience managing a global pharmacovigilance function, with deep, hands-on knowledge of US, EU, and other major international safety regulations. Proven track record of successfully leading global health authority inspections.
Scientific and Medical Acumen
Extensive experience across multiple therapeutic areas. Strong clinical judgment and a deep understanding of the scientific principles of signal detection, risk management, and epidemiology.
Leadership Prowess
Proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate a large, diverse, and geographically dispersed team. Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate complex scientific and regulatory issues clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences, including executive leadership, board members, regulatory agencies, and physicians.
Business Acumen
Strong understanding of the drug development and commercialization process. Ability to integrate safety strategy with broader business strategy to drive corporate success.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the Princeton, NJ location, with availability for global travel as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive package (stock options/RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential for profit sharing.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support your well-being.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences and events.
On-site Amenities
Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a fitness center, subsidized cafeteria, and collaborative workspaces.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary pharmacovigilance leader with the experience and passion to shape the future of patient safety at a global pharmaceutical leader, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest in this confidential opportunity, please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a senior recruiter from JRG Partners to discuss the role in greater detail.
Learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences practice page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring this exceptional career opportunity.
