Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical):

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence direction, contribute to key technical decisions, provide sound scientific judgment, and support execution across complex, cross-functional programs.
• Deep scientific curiosity and problem-solving capability, with a practical and risk-based approach to development challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly present complex technical information to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• High degree of organizational awareness and the ability to connect interdependencies across CMC functions and broader program objectives.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with success working in matrixed, global environments and with internal and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and maintain focus on quality, timelines, and outcomes.
• Commitment to developing talent, building effective teams, and fostering an inclusive and accountable work environment.
• High degree of organizational awareness, ability to connect the dots to understand all the interdependency and big picture.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline required; exceptional candidates with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and significant relevant industry experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in process chemistry or drug substance development, including meaningful experience providing technical leadership in cross-functional or matrixed settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic route design, process optimization, scale-up, impurity control, and technology transfer for small molecule APIs.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP manufacturing, CMC development, regulatory expectations, and global quality standards relevant to drug substance development.
• Experience authoring or reviewing regulatory submission content and supporting health authority interactions for drug substance sections.
• Proven success working with external partners such as CDMOs and contract laboratories to provide technical oversight, identify risks, and influence high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams supporting programs from early development through late-stage development and/or commercialization.
• Prior people management experience is preferred, though strong matrix leadership experience will also be considered.
• Ability to travel periodically as needed for CDMO visits, technical oversight, and internal meetings.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization, including collaboration with international colleagues, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Japanese language proficiency is a plus and would enhance collaboration and technical communication with Japanese colleagues engaged in global CMC development strategy and execution.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

People Management

This is an individual contributor role and does not have direct reports or formal people‑management responsibilities.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

The base salary range for this role is

Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Drug Screening Requirements
Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Originally posted on Himalayas