Managing Director, R&D Consulting
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Managing Director, R&D Consulting based in the United States.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced consulting professional passionate about driving transformation across the life sciences industry. The role combines strategic advisory, business development, and operational leadership to help organizations optimize processes, accelerate innovation, and deliver meaningful business outcomes. You will lead high-impact client engagements while shaping the growth and direction of a dynamic consulting practice. Working in a highly collaborative and global environment, you will partner with cross-functional stakeholders to solve complex challenges across research and development functions. This position offers significant visibility, leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to influence both client success and organizational growth. It is ideally suited for a strategic leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing environments and enjoys building high-performing teams.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Managing Director, R&D Consulting based in the United States.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced consulting professional passionate about driving transformation across the life sciences industry. The role combines strategic advisory, business development, and operational leadership to help organizations optimize processes, accelerate innovation, and deliver meaningful business outcomes. You will lead high-impact client engagements while shaping the growth and direction of a dynamic consulting practice. Working in a highly collaborative and global environment, you will partner with cross-functional stakeholders to solve complex challenges across research and development functions. This position offers significant visibility, leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to influence both client success and organizational growth. It is ideally suited for a strategic leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing environments and enjoys building high-performing teams.
Accountabilities:
- Lead and oversee strategic advisory engagements focused on business transformation, process optimization, organizational change, and operational excellence.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to expand client relationships, generate new opportunities, and drive revenue growth.
- Manage budgets, statements of work, project plans, and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery.
- Provide executive-level guidance on strategic planning, roadmap development, business cases, and solution implementation initiatives.
- Lead cross-functional teams in the design and implementation of innovative systems, data governance frameworks, and process improvement initiatives.
- Oversee project management activities, including requirements gathering, stakeholder workshops, change management, user acceptance testing, and system validation efforts.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality client outcomes while maintaining compliance, quality standards, and operational efficiency.
- Build, mentor, and manage high-performing consulting teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, marketing activities, and industry positioning to strengthen brand recognition and market presence.
- Partner with senior leadership to define strategic priorities, support organizational objectives, and contribute to long-term business growth.
- Identify opportunities to leverage capabilities across regions and service lines to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
- Represent the organization as a trusted industry expert and strategic advisor within the life sciences community.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a scientific, business, or related field is considered an asset.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry.
- Extensive experience in consulting, advisory services, or strategic transformation initiatives.
- Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle and supporting business processes.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale client engagements and managing complex stakeholder environments.
- Proven experience driving business development activities, managing key accounts, and achieving sales targets.
- Strong leadership experience managing teams, mentoring consultants, and overseeing high-impact deliverables.
- Experience in strategic planning, process optimization, change management, training initiatives, and system implementations.
- Strong project management capabilities, including budget management, resource planning, and governance oversight.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work effectively within global and interdisciplinary teams, with an understanding of different cultural and business practices.
- High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Willingness to travel up to 50% as required.
- Fully remote position with location flexibility across the United States.
- Opportunity to lead strategic initiatives within a globally recognized life sciences consulting environment.
- Significant leadership exposure and the ability to shape business growth and organizational strategy.
- Collaborative and innovative culture focused on meaningful work and professional development.
- Opportunities for career advancement and executive-level impact.
- Exposure to diverse, high-profile clients and transformational projects across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
- Supportive and community-oriented workplace recognized for employee engagement and culture.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness programs, retirement offerings, and paid time off (subject to company policy).
As Managing Director, you will lead strategic consulting engagements while driving business growth, operational excellence, and thought leadership initiatives. You will oversee complex projects, mentor consulting teams, and act as a trusted advisor to clients across the life sciences ecosystem.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate is an experienced consulting leader with deep expertise in pharmaceutical research and development, business transformation, and client relationship management. You should bring a strong combination of strategic thinking, operational leadership, and commercial acumen.