Director of Process Chemistry

The role

For our R&D teams in early drug substance development research, process research and non-GMP scale-up we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Director of Process Chemistry, to work full-time at our headquarters in Groningen, The Netherlands.

As Director of Process Chemistry, you lead and develop our multidisciplinary teams in Organic Synthesis, Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and pre-clinical scale-up, translating the Symeres strategy into clear objectives for the teams, and ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality project execution. You supervise, coach and develop your direct reports (team leader level), ensuring strong leadership behavior within the department. You drive innovation, safeguard scientific excellence, and build a future-proof organization.

A key part of your role is driving change and transformation, positioning your department in the overall services portfolio of Symeres and connecting with colleagues at the other Symeres entities in the EU and US. You foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptability across departments, services, and sites. In close collaboration with Business Development, you connect science with client needs and help strengthen new and existing partnerships.

As a member of the site management team, you actively contribute to Symeres’ mission, strategy, and talent development.

Key job responsibilities

• Oversee project input, execution, and output—both customer and internal—ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development to align scientific expertise with client needs, co-develop and present proposals, and grow existing business.
• Ensure efficient, productive, high-quality, and safe execution of all departmental activities and supported projects.
• Allocate resources, supervise project teams, and resolve cross-functional issues to ensure smooth project progression.
• Lead, coach and develop your department and teams, translating company strategy into clear and effective goals.
• Drive innovation by identifying and implementing new technologies, methodologies, and service opportunities.
• Safeguard scientific quality and ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
• Manage departmental CAPEX, OPEX, and staffing plans, monitor performance, and ensure continuous alignment of resources with strategic priorities.
• Contribute as a member of the site management team to the execution of Symeres’ mission, strategy, and
  organizational change initiatives.
• Foster a results-oriented culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, and talent development.

Job requirements

• MSc required, preferably PhD, in a relevant scientific or technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in an R&D environment, preferably in small molecule Process R&D, including at least 5 years in a leadership role with demonstrated accountability for results, team performance, and talent development.
• Proven leadership in driving organizational change, culture transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with a strong record in innovation and operational excellence, preferably with experience in systematic improvement methodologies (e.g., LEAN, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Highly influential and collaborative, able to navigate complex organizational structures, manage stakeholders, and align cross-functional teams around strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, conceptual thinking, and visionary skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams even in challenging situations.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and committed to delivering measurable business impact.

Job offer

An exciting position in a dynamic organization with an attractive remuneration package and opportunities for learning and development.

Application

Please fill out the form to submit your application.
For questions, please contact the Managing Director of Symeres: melloney.droge@symeres.com.

About

Symeres is the leading mid-sized transatlantic contract research organization for drug discovery and development needs. With over 600 highly educated scientists in seven locations in Europe and two in the USA, we offer best-in-class solutions for drug discovery and drug development, from small- to medium-sized molecule hits. We are large enough to matter, and small enough to care. Our services span across early stage hit finding all the way to the delivery of early clinical drug substance API and drug product. Making molecules matter. Together.

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