R&D Transformation, Adoption & Governance Manager

Mantell Associates is partnered with a pioneering European Pharmaceutical organisation focused on advancing innovative therapies through cutting-edge research and development. They are seeking an experienced R&D Transformation, Adoption & Governance Manager to support the delivery of large-scale transformation programs.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a large-scale transformation program within a forward-thinking pharmaceutical organisation, helping shape the future of R&D operations while enabling faster delivery of innovative medicines to patients.

R&D Transformation, Adoption & Governance Manager – Responsibilities:

• Support the execution of strategic transformation initiatives across the global R&D organisation, ensuring alignment with business priorities and innovation goals
• Establish governance frameworks, processes, and reporting structures to monitor progress and ensure consistent execution of transformation programs
• Drive adoption of new operating models, tools, and processes across R&D teams through structured change management and stakeholder engagement
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in research, development, data, and operations to coordinate transformation activities and remove implementation barriers
• Develop dashboards, performance metrics, and reporting mechanisms to monitor program milestones, adoption progress, and value realization
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and communication initiatives to support organizational readiness and sustainable change adoption
• Identify risks, implementation challenges, and improvement opportunities, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place
• Support continuous improvement of R&D processes, helping streamline workflows and enhance productivity across the development lifecycle
• Prepare executive-level presentations and governance materials to communicate program status and key outcomes to senior leadership

R&D Transformation, Adoption & Governance Manager – Requirements:

• Degree in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced qualification or MBA preferred
• Experience working within pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D environments
• Proven experience in transformation programs, operational excellence, program management, or change management initiatives
• Strong understanding of R&D processes across discovery, development, and innovation functions
• Experience establishing governance frameworks, reporting structures, and program management tools
• Demonstrated ability to work across complex, cross-functional organisations and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar) is advantageous
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced, international environment

Mantell Associates is a specialist Pharmaceutical and Life Science headhunting firm. For more information on this opportunity, contact us at +44 (0)20 3854 7700.