R&D Program Leader

Sector: Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical

At Ferrer we use business to fight for social justice. We have long been a company that looks to do things differently; instead of maximizing shareholder returns, we reinvest much of our profit in initiatives that give back to society. Back where it belongs. We go beyond compliance and are guided by the highest standards of sustainability, ethics and integrity. As such, since 2022, we are a B Corp.

Founded in Barcelona in 1959, Ferrer offers transformative solutions for life-threatening diseases in more than one hundred countries. In line with our purpose, we have an increasing focus on pulmonary vascular and interstitial lung diseases and rare neurological disorders. Our 1,800-strong team is driven by a clear conviction: our business is not an end in itself, but a way to change lives.

We are Ferrer. Ferrer for good.

By joining the Ferrer R&D team, within the R&D Program Management Department, your mission will be to contribute in driving Ferrer’s pipeline strategic, efficient and sustainable as well as maximizing the asset’s lifecycle value.

• You will play a pivotal role in leading a strategic cross‑functional team (Global Program Team) to define and execute the asset’s strategy until regulatory approval, securing an appropriate market access and pricing strategy, and an optimal reach of the patients in need as per the defined target product profile.
• You will also lead the different R&D cross‑functional teams responsible for the execution of the drug development program, from early development through regulatory approval assuring its alignment with Ferrer’s company goals and patients’ needs.
• You’ll be the single point of accountability for the asset’s development, therefore you’ll need to manage budget, project plan (time‑lines, milestones, resources), contingency planning, risk assessment… ensuring the appropriate quality and compliance processes and the engagement with key internal and external stakeholders.
• You will provide regular up‑dates on the asset’s strategy, identified risks, contingency plans… to Ferrer’s Development Committee.
• Your role will also include the scientific assessment of potential new assets that could be eventually added to Ferrer’s current pipeline (specific focus on the assessment of the required development and pre‑clinical data), therefore you’ll also need to have a close monitoring of the disease area trends and competitor’s landscape.
• In your role you will report to the Head of the R&D Program Management Department that reports to Ferrer’s Scientific and BD Officer (C‑Level).

• Make a positive impact in society
• Grow in a culture of trust, responsibility, and constructive feedback
• Enjoy a flexible working model & collaborative office experience to enable innovation and team working
• Make a real difference to the team and to yourself
• Take advantage of opportunities for development & learning
• Discover a range of benefits to support your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing
• Customize your remuneration and benefit

What you’ll need to succeed

You will rock at this company if you are a person with empathy, humility, curiosity and optimism.

You will rock at this role if you match with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences required;
  PhD strongly preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in R&D and drug development within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry.
• Previous experience in neurodegenerative, pulmonary, or rare diseases is highly valuable.
• Proven ability to assess and interpret pre‑clinical data.
• In-depth knowledge of the drug development process, including Pharmaceutical Development, Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs.
• Strong expertise in project management principles applied to pharmaceutical R&D programs.
• Proficency in English is required.
• Ability to managecomplex and simultaneous activities across programs.
• Experience working in multicultural and geographically dispersed environments.
• Skilled at communicating both scientific and business aspects of R&D programs.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate global trends in drug development.
• Team‑oriented with strong decision‑making capabilities and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and influencing skills.
• Inclusive leadership style that encourages diversity of thought.
• High learning agility and ability to adapt quickly.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.

If this great challenge matches your profile, then we are waiting for you!

At Ferrer, we guarantee equal treatment and opportunities in recruitment, avoiding prejudices and stereotypes for any reason in the processes of access to the company, assessing only objective criteria such as professional and academic skills and work experience.