Co-Development Director

Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!

Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business

The Opportunity 

•    Provide technical leadership to the execution and evolution of the Dechra Co-Development model in partnership with product development. This will require engagement and providing direction to other parts of the organisation.
•    Provide direct line management and leadership to the team of MS&T Product Leads who will be part of the CMC teams for priority molecules, ensuring MS&T are delivering the Co-Development principles and that the voice of Dechra manufacturing is embedded into the development of new products.

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied scope and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

•    Set the strategy for MS&T and Dechra manufacturing in the execution and continuous improvement of the Co-Development model.
•    Take ownership for a limited number of molecule assets and execute the role of Product Lead for the identified products.
•    Partner with Dechra R&D to ensure the Co-Development principles are followed and adhered to.
•    Set direction to the MS&T Product leads, providing direct line management to the team and matrix leadership to those individuals seconded into the Product Lead role.
•    Provide coaching and mentorship to the MS&T organisation in the key as aspects of Biomanufacturing and development of product control strategies.
•    Work with the MS&T leadership team to identify growth opportunities for MS&T employees and support secondment placements in the team as Product Leads.
• Partner with MS&T Global Head to support the leadership and execution of projects that drive a positive business impact for Dechra.
•    Form & grow connections across the wider business with key leaders within Dechra R&D, Tech, Quality & Supply Chain to build networks that enable progression and implementation of key strategies.

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly excited to hear from those who have/are:

•    The ideal candidate will have a B.A., B.S., MS or PhD in life sciences, engineering, pharmaceutics, chemistry, or similar fields.  

•    Minimum of 10 years of industrial / MS&T experience in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or related industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

•    Practical knowledge of biologics manufacturing, preferably with experience in the development and scale-up of biologic molecules.

•    Practical knowledge and understanding of small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing and development.

•    Proven learning agility, able to pick up new areas and concepts rapidly shown through a broad range of experience.

•    Ability to design, develop and implement effective strategies for biologic & small molecule products that deliver a robust control strategy designed for commercial manufacture, demonstrating a strong working knowledge of manufacturing platforms and pharmaceutical facility infrastructure. 

•    The position requires an understanding of the dosage form development process, along with an in-depth knowledge of process development techniques, cGMP regulations, FDA and EMA regulations and recent trends in validation concepts.  

•    The individual must have a “hands-on” knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and be able to supervise batch manufacture and instruct production operators.

As a people first values-based culture, we provide free weekly wellness sessions focused on our employee's physical and mental wellbeing, and flexible work arrangements. We offer a generous employer 401k match and an other incentives for long-term financial wellness. Our full array of health, financial and voluntary benefit programs are what you would expect from a recognized Best Place to Work.