Role Overview for EVP, Global R&D with a Major Pharma Company – Princeton, NJ
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained by a world-leading, innovation-driven pharmaceutical company to identify an exceptional Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Research & Development. This is a paramount leadership position based in their state-of-the-art R&D headquarters in the Princeton, New Jersey area, a vibrant hub of biopharmaceutical innovation.
The successful candidate will be a transformative scientific and business leader responsible for setting the global R&D vision, driving the discovery and development of a robust pipeline of life-changing therapies, and shaping the future of medicine for patients worldwide.
As the EVP of Global R&D, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serve as a critical member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. You will have ultimate accountability for a multi-billion dollar budget and a global organization of thousands of dedicated scientists, clinicians, and R&D professionals across multiple therapeutic areas.
This role demands a visionary leader with a profound understanding of science, a proven track record of bringing novel drugs to market, and the strategic acumen to navigate the complex and evolving global healthcare landscape.
You will be the chief architect of the company’s innovation engine, responsible for ensuring its long-term scientific leadership and commercial success. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver on its mission to combat devastating diseases through groundbreaking scientific discovery.
This is a career-defining opportunity to steer the scientific direction of a major pharmaceutical powerhouse. You will be empowered to foster a culture of scientific rigor, relentless innovation, and collaborative excellence. You will build upon a strong foundation of existing assets while identifying and integrating next-generation platforms, technologies, and therapeutic modalities—from small molecules and biologics to cell and gene therapies and AI-driven drug discovery.
Your influence will extend beyond the laboratory, as you will represent the company’s scientific prowess to the investment community, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners across the globe.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global R&D with a Major Pharma Company – Princeton, NJ
Strategic R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a forward-thinking global R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate objectives. Identify and prioritize therapeutic areas and scientific platforms for investment and growth.
End-to-End Pipeline Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire R&D pipeline, from target identification and validation in early discovery, through preclinical development, all phases of clinical trials, to successful regulatory submissions and approvals globally.
Scientific Innovation and Excellence
Champion a culture of cutting-edge science and innovation. Drive the evaluation and adoption of novel technologies, methodologies, and data science approaches to enhance the productivity and success rate of the R&D organization.
Global Team Leadership and Development
Lead, inspire, and mentor a large, multidisciplinary, global R&D organization. Attract, develop, and retain world-class scientific and clinical talent. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
Fiscal and Operational Oversight
Assume full P&L responsibility for the global R&D budget. Ensure efficient allocation of capital and resources to optimize portfolio value and deliver on key milestones. Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across all R&D functions.
Regulatory Strategy and Compliance
Oversee global regulatory affairs, ensuring that all R&D activities are conducted in strict compliance with global regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, etc.). Provide strategic guidance on interactions with health authorities worldwide.
External Innovation and Partnerships
Lead the strategy for external innovation, including the identification and execution of strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and acquisitions with biotech companies, academic institutions, and other key partners to augment the internal pipeline.
Executive Committee Contribution
Serve as the primary scientific voice on the Executive Leadership Team. Provide expert counsel on scientific matters, portfolio strategy, and long-range corporate planning. Communicate the R&D strategy and progress to the Board of Directors and the investment community.
Requirements for the EVP, Global R&D with a Major Pharma Company – Princeton, NJ
Educational Background
An M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., SVP, CSO, Head of R&D) with oversight of large, global teams and significant budgets.
Proven Track Record of Success
Demonstrated success in leading the discovery and development of multiple novel therapeutic products from early-stage research through to global commercialization. Experience across multiple therapeutic areas is highly desirable.
Scientific and Clinical Acumen
Deep and broad expertise in the scientific and clinical aspects of the entire drug discovery and development process. Must be fluent in modern drug discovery technologies, clinical trial design, and global regulatory requirements.
Transformational Leadership
Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills. A proven ability to inspire and motivate large organizations, drive change, and build a culture of accountability and excellence.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Strong strategic thinking capabilities combined with robust business and financial acumen. Experience in portfolio management, risk assessment, and capital allocation is essential.
Collaborative Mindset
A track record of building successful internal and external partnerships. Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and collaborate across all functions of the organization.
Location
Willingness and ability to be based at the company’s headquarters in the Princeton, NJ area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to rewarding its leaders with a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects the seniority and impact of this role. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive package (stock options and/or restricted stock units) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Health & Wellness
Premier, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and an on-site fitness center.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a significant company match, complemented by access to an executive deferred compensation plan and financial planning services.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, company holidays, and supportive parental leave programs to foster a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
Support for continued professional development, including executive coaching, attendance at key industry conferences, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm managing this prestigious recruitment. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter in strict confidence. Due to the high-profile nature of this position, all inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
To express your interest, please connect with our team through our official practice page. For more information or to submit your application, please visit the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences Executive Search practice. We look forward to connecting with the next generation of pharmaceutical R&D leadership.
