Senior Director, Drug Product CMC

Description of Role

Centessa is seeking a Senior Director of Drug Product within the CMC group. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated, proven track record of designing high performance nonclinical and clinical formulations as well as managing CROs and CDMOs. The candidate should also have hands-on experience in developing and manufacturing nonclinical and clinical small molecule drug products to support Phase I to Phase III.   

Reporting to the Executive Director, CMC, this position will primarily lead work with external vendors and oversee nonclinical formulation development, with flexibility to support clinical drug product development, across programs to meet company deliverables and timelines.  Travel to domestic and international vendors required. 

Key Responsibilities

• Directly manage external vendors, such as Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to:  
  • Execute physiochemical characterization and pre-formulation studies for New Chemical Entities (NCEs).
  • Design and develop nonclinical formulations of drug candidates (oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous) to ensure stability, bioavailability and effective drug delivery in animal models.  
  • Design and oversee execution of nonclinical formulation stability and compatibility studies.
  • Support clinical formulation development of oral solid dosage forms, as needed. 
• Author and/or review and approve development and dose preparation protocols and reports.
• Review formulation related sections of protocols and reports associated with Pharmacokinetic (PK), Pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety studies.
• Represent CMC and provide nonclinical formulation, DS and DP stability, and supply guidance at internal and external cross functional team meetings.
• Coordinate shipments in support of nonclinical and Clinical development supply requirements to various CDMO and CRO sites.
• Assist in compiling formulation-related documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, CTA) to meet nonclinical development requirements.
• Work closely and collaboratively with cross-functional CMC groups including discovery, nonclinical, clinical, project management, legal, sourcing, supply chain, quality and regulatory, as well as other CMC functions. 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of drug product/formulation development experience supporting nonclinical and clinical programs, with expertise across oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous dosage forms for small molecules.
• Deep technical expertise in the development and manufacture of poorly soluble (BCS Class II/IV) compounds, including formulation strategies for oral and parenteral delivery.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and engineering principles related to liquid and solid dosage form development from early-stage development through clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of analytical and solid-state characterization techniques, including HPLC/UPLC, XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, and related methodologies.
• Experience managing external development and manufacturing partners (CROs, CDMOs, and CMOs) and a solid understanding of cGMP requirements.
• Proven ability to lead multiple complex programs in a fast-paced environment, with strong project management, prioritization, resource management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, build productive internal and external partnerships, and communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strategic, hands-on leader with strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, demonstrated resilience, and a track record of delivering high-quality results with urgency and integrity.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally as needed. 

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $160,000.00 to $250,000.00. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge an location.

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location

The (Senior) Director Drug Product CMC role is based in the US, with occasional travel.

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt