Head of Pharmaceutical Launch Excellence (OSD, Sterile & Complex Generics)
3 days ago
Barcelona
Head of Launch Management (OSD & Sterile) Location: Barcelona, Athens, Lisbon, Bucharest, Budapest, Malta or Istanbul Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week on-site) Compensation: Competitive salary + performance-based bonus Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare, wellness programme, company phone, laptop, company credit card and generous annual leave Lead Global Launches Across Complex Generics, Sterile Injectables & Specialty Medicines An international pharmaceutical organisation is seeking a Head of Launch Management to lead the global planning and execution of product launches across a portfolio of complex generics, sterile injectables and specialty medicines. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring products successfully transition from development and regulatory approval through to commercial launch. Working across multiple geographies, functions and external partnerships, you will drive launch readiness, manage critical risks, and ensure products are launched on time and in line with commercial objectives. This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys operating at the centre of the business, bringing together Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial and external partners to deliver successful launches on a global scale. The Role As Head of Launch Management, you will lead the launch strategy and execution for a diverse pharmaceutical portfolio spanning both Oral Solid Dose (OSD) and Sterile products. You will establish and enhance launch excellence frameworks, oversee launch governance, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure manufacturing and commercial readiness across multiple markets. The position requires a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, with responsibility for portfolio oversight, launch planning, risk management and stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Launch Strategy & Execution • Develop and lead the global launch management function., • Build and implement launch excellence processes, governance frameworks and best practices., • Create integrated launch plans across OSD and Sterile product portfolios., • Drive launch readiness across Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Commercial teams., • Ensure launch activities achieve agreed timelines and commercial objectives. Portfolio & Programme Leadership • Lead launch planning across multiple products and markets., • Prioritise launch activities based on strategic and commercial value., • Monitor milestones, dependencies and launch-critical activities., • Identify risks and develop mitigation plans., • Provide visibility and reporting to senior leadership. Cross-Functional Leadership • Lead global launch teams and governance forums., • Drive alignment across internal stakeholders and external partners., • Facilitate decision-making and maintain accountability across functions., • Escalate and resolve launch-critical issues. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Readiness • Ensure manufacturing readiness for commercial launches., • Support technology transfer, process validation and supply planning activities., • Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to maintain product availability., • Manage relationships with CMOs, CDMOs and strategic manufacturing partners. Sterile Product Launches • Lead commercialization planning for sterile injectable and specialty products., • Ensure alignment with aseptic manufacturing requirements., • Support validation, contamination control and launch-risk assessments., • Drive readiness activities across manufacturing sites and external partners. Partner & Alliance Management • Act as a senior interface with licensing partners, CMOs, CDMOs and commercial partners., • Establish governance frameworks to support successful collaborations., • Coordinate launch activities across multiple organisations and regions., • Monitor partner performance against agreed commitments. Leadership • Build, mentor and develop a high-performing launch management team., • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement., • Champion launch excellence across the organisation. Candidate Profile Essential • Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain or a related field., • 10-15+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience., • 5+ years leading global pharmaceutical product launches., • Experience across both OSD and Sterile product portfolios., • Strong understanding of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and commercialization., • Experience managing launches within regulated pharmaceutical markets., • Exposure to CMOs and CDMOs., • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex international environments., • Experience working closely with Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Commercial functions., • Track record delivering multi-country or global launches. Highly Desirable • Complex generics experience., • Sterile injectable experience., • Specialty pharmaceutical products., • GLP-1 product exposure., • Value-added medicines., • Licensing and partnership-driven business models., • Experience across Europe, UK, US, MENA or emerging markets. What's in It for You? • Lead high-profile launches across global pharmaceutical markets., • Work with complex generics, sterile injectables and specialty medicines., • Build and shape launch excellence capabilities within a growing organisation., • Partner with senior leaders, global stakeholders and external manufacturing partners., • Operate in a highly international environment with significant visibility and influence., • Take ownership of programmes that directly impact commercial performance and business growth. If you have a proven track record delivering complex pharmaceutical launches and enjoy bringing together teams, partners and functions to drive products successfully to market, we'd be interested in hearing from you.
23 Calle D'ausiàs Marc, la Dreta de l'Eixample, 08010, Barcelona
