Purpose
The Global Programme Director is a senior leadership role reporting to the Cluster Head GCE. This individual is accountable for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of security and risk management services across a major global pharmaceutical client. The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to drive performance across multiple geographies and functions.
The Director will act as the executive lead for the account, engaging with senior client stakeholders globally, while also managing a team of regional and country-level leaders. This role is pivotal in aligning service delivery with the client’s business objectives, regulatory requirements, and global security and risk strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the executive point of contact for senior client stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and trusted partnership.
- Lead a multi-country team of regional and local account managers, ensuring consistent service delivery and performance across all client sites.
- Develop and execute the global account strategy, aligning with the client’s pharmaceutical operations, compliance needs, and risk profile.
- Oversee the implementation of security, risk, and compliance programs tailored to the pharmaceutical industry, including GxP, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Lead risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies across the client’s global operations, including supply chain, R&D, and manufacturing.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders across countries to ensure unified service delivery and continuous improvement.
- Conduct strategic reviews, audits, and risk assessments to ensure the integrity of the client’s operations and compliance posture.
- Lead the development and monitoring of KPIs and performance dashboards, using data to inform decisions and demonstrate value.
- Manage escalations, incidents, and crisis response in coordination with client and internal teams.
- Oversee recruitment, development, and performance management of the account team, fostering a high-performance and risk-aware culture.
- Support strategic budget planning, cost optimization, and investment proposals for security systems and services.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across all regions.
- Lead responses to global RFIs and RFPs, including pricing strategy and regional coordination.
- Promote innovation, standardization, and best practices across the global account. Core Competencies
- Executive Leadership & Strategic Thinking
- Stakeholder Engagement at Senior Levels
- Pharmaceutical Compliance & Regulatory Insight - Global Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Operational Excellence & Process Optimization
- Enterprise Risk Management & Crisis Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Cultural Communication & Influence
- Commercial Acumen & Contract Management
- Change Management & Innovation
Minimum Requirements:
- 8+ years in security, risk management, or compliance, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience managing large, complex international accounts in regulated industries (preferably pharmaceutical or life sciences).
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical operations, including manufacturing, clinical trials, and global supply chains.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-border teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience with regulatory frameworks such as GxP, FDA, EMA, and ISO standards.
- Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 and data visualization tools.
- Willingness to travel internationally.
- High ethical standards and cultural sensitivity.
Desirable Qualifications:
- International experience with security or compliance contracts in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Certifications in Security, Risk Management, or Health & Safety.
- Familiarity with pharma protection and supply chain integrity.
Reporting to: Cluster Head Pharma– Global Clients Europe
Location: Flexible in Europe
Language: English (fluent, spoken and written) all other languages are nice to have.
