Role Overview for EVP, Global Regulatory Compliance with a Pharmaceutical Co. – Basel, CH
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive, retained search for an Executive Vice President (EVP), Global Regulatory Compliance on behalf of our client, a world-renowned, research-driven pharmaceutical organization based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Basel, Switzerland. This is a paramount, C-suite adjacent leadership position for an individual with the vision, experience, and gravitas to steer the company’s global regulatory strategy through an evolving and complex international landscape.
The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, responsible for the entirety of the company’s global regulatory compliance function. You will serve as the principal architect of a forward-thinking regulatory strategy that not only ensures unwavering compliance but also acts as a strategic enabler for the company’s robust pipeline of innovative therapies. Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer and interacting frequently with the Board of Directors, this role holds ultimate accountability for all interactions with global health authorities, the integrity of all regulatory submissions, and the cultivation of a culture of proactive compliance across the organization.
This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to make a profound impact on global health. You will be at the helm of a function critical to bringing life-changing and life-saving medicines to patients in need. Your strategic guidance will directly influence the development lifecycle, from early-stage clinical trials to post-market surveillance, ensuring that the company’s products meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality. You will lead a large, talented, and geographically dispersed team of regulatory professionals, inspiring them to achieve excellence and navigate the intricate regulatory pathways of key markets, including the US, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets. We are seeking a strategic visionary who can anticipate future regulatory trends, influence global health policy, and position our client as an industry leader in regulatory excellence.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global Regulatory Compliance with a Pharmaceutical Co. – Basel, CH
Strategic Vision and Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global regulatory compliance vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate objectives. Provide inspirational leadership and mentorship to a global team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Global Regulatory Submissions
Provide executive oversight for the planning, preparation, and submission of all regulatory filings, including Investigational New Drugs (INDs), New Drug Applications (NDAs), Biologics License Applications (BLAs), and Marketing Authorisation Applications (MAAs). Ensure all submissions are of the highest quality and strategically positioned for successful review.
Health Authority Engagement
Act as the company’s primary senior representative in all interactions with global health authorities, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) of Japan. Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships built on trust and scientific integrity.
Compliance and Governance Framework
Uphold and enhance a robust global compliance framework, ensuring strict adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines (e.g., GCP, GMP, GLP). Oversee the Quality Management System (QMS) related to regulatory affairs and ensure the company is perpetually ‘inspection-ready’.
Regulatory Risk Management
Proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential regulatory risks across the product portfolio and development pipeline. Develop sophisticated risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to navigate regulatory challenges and ensure business continuity.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as a key strategic partner to the executive leadership team, including R&D, Clinical Development, Manufacturing/CMC, Commercial, and Legal. Provide expert regulatory intelligence and guidance to inform critical business and development decisions.
Regulatory Intelligence and Policy
Champion a world-class regulatory intelligence function to monitor, analyze, and interpret the evolving global regulatory landscape. Influence the development of new regulations and guidelines through active participation in industry associations and policy forums.
Talent Development and Management
Attract, develop, and retain top-tier regulatory talent. Build a high-performing, agile, and resilient global organization capable of meeting future challenges and opportunities.
Fiscal Oversight
Assume full responsibility for the global regulatory compliance budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources to achieve strategic goals and operational excellence.
Requirements for the EVP, Global Regulatory Compliance with a Pharmaceutical Co. – Basel, CH
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) in a relevant life sciences discipline is strongly required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20+ years of progressive experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in a senior global regulatory affairs leadership capacity (e.g., VP, SVP, or EVP level).
Proven Track Record
A demonstrable history of success in leading global regulatory strategies that have resulted in the successful approval of novel therapeutics (both small molecules and biologics) across multiple major international markets.
Regulatory Expertise
Unrivaled, expert-level knowledge of global pharmaceutical regulations, including deep familiarity with ICH guidelines, FDA regulations, and the intricate requirements of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Experience with diverse therapeutic areas is highly advantageous.
Leadership Acumen
Exceptional and proven leadership capabilities with the ability to manage and inspire large, diverse, and global teams. Must possess superior communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the presence and credibility to interact effectively at the board and executive levels.
Strategic Mindset
A highly strategic and analytical thinker with the capacity to navigate complexity and ambiguity. Must be able to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business strategy.
Global Orientation
Extensive experience working in a global matrixed environment is essential. The candidate must be willing to be based in Basel, Switzerland, and possess the ability and willingness to undertake significant international travel.
Language Proficiency
Complete fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Professional proficiency in German and/or French would be considered a significant asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to rewarding its leaders with a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the seniority and impact of this role. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a substantial annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Relocation
A full-service, white-glove international relocation package for the successful candidate and their family to ensure a seamless transition to Basel.
Health and Wellness
Premium, top-tier private health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your dependents. Access to executive wellness programs and corporate fitness facilities.
Retirement and Pension
A generous and market-leading pension scheme and retirement savings plan.
Work-Life Integration
A commitment to executive well-being, offering flexible working arrangements where appropriate and a generous allocation of paid time off and holidays.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continuous executive education, leadership coaching, and sponsorship to attend key global industry conferences and forums.
Additional Perquisites
A company car or car allowance, an executive expense account, and other benefits befitting a senior executive position within a leading global organization.
How to Apply
This executive search is being conducted on an exclusive basis by JRG Partners. Due to the sensitive and strategic nature of this appointment, all inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
If you are a visionary regulatory leader with the experience and ambition to take on this career-defining challenge, we encourage you to submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter for consideration. To learn more about our expertise in this sector and to initiate a confidential discussion, please visit our Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Executive Search practice page. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
