Job Description

Director / Senior Director – Process Chemistry

📍 Hopewell, Virginia

💼 Small Molecule | CDMO | Technical Leadership

Are you a technically strong process chemist with leadership experience, looking for a high-impact role with visibility, autonomy, and long-term growth potential?

We’re supporting a pioneering US-based pharmaceutical organization that’s transforming how essential medicines are developed and manufactured. With a strong public-health mission, a bold strategy, and a new(ish) team that values trust, collaboration, and open conversation, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious CDMO.

What You’ll Do

• Lead small molecule process development projects from early-stage design through tech transfer and validation
• Serve as the technical SME for internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners
• Own the strategic oversight of CMC elements, including QbD, DoE, regulatory filings, and risk assessments (e.g. FMEA, CPPs)
• Drive team development and be a visible, hands-on leader to a group of process chemists
• Engage in cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Regulatory, Program Management, MS&T, and Government Affairs
• Contribute to future growth by helping build out structure, systems, and best practices across the department

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years in process chemistry leadership within pharma or CDMO environments
• Strong background in tech transfer, scale-up, and manufacturing
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead technical teams through change and growth
• Track record of hands-on involvement in IND/ANDA/NDA submissions and regulatory filings
• PhD in Organic Chemistry or equivalent experience highly preferred

Why This Role?

• Impact : You’ll play a central role in the development and manufacturing of mission-critical medicines in a company that’s still evolving and open to new ways of thinking
• Visibility : You’ll report into executive leadership and have influence across multiple sites and programs
• Growth : This is a potential successor role, with a clear path to take on broader leadership responsibilities in the near future
• Challenge : You'll help lead a business through scale-up, structure-building, and the occasional ambiguity that comes with being part of a high-growth, purpose-driven organization

Location & Flexibility

You’ll need to be based in Virginia and comfortable working between two key sites in the

Richmond–Hopewell area. Flexibility is built in, but presence is important, this is a people-facing leadership role.

Interested in learning more?

This search is being led by Stanley Cowton International. For a confidential conversation, please get in touch.

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