Innovation Director

Hovione is an independent family owned international group of companies. From the beginning, we have set ourselves above and apart through our innovative technological and productive capabilities, reaching a top spot in the world market as an integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Company dedicated to helping Pharmaceutical Customers bring new and off-patent drugs to market.

Our people are the main asset for our continued success. Reaching over 1950 team members, from 36 different nationalities, that are located across Asia, Europe and North America (Portugal, US, Macao, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and Switzerland), including 4 production sites.

Working at Hovione means reaching for innovation and excellence in everything we do: for our clients, our partners and, above all, our patients. That is why we are In it for life.

• Lead a cross functional team responsible for managing the innovation processes and the internal R&D projects
• Manage resources allocation and assign team members responsibilities for specific tasks, (re)prioritizing to make the best use of internal and external resources
• Manage a portfolio of strategic R&D programs composed of multiple projects ranging from incubation to full commercial deployment
• Lead innovation project governance through chairing and participation of innovation review committees, establishing stage gates, proposing and monitoring budgets
• Lead Due Diligence teams across all functions and assemble development strategy for assigned projects in collaboration with alliance and licensing teams
• Apply strategic-thinking and forward planning to projects and implement the necessary actions to promote faultless execution
• Act as champion for open innovation within the organisation
• Identify and assess new scientific and business opportunities, trends and market needs, and ensure the use of up to date / best technology, processes and work practices
• Lead early evaluation/incubation of technologies internally or externally to rapidly reach proof of concepts
• Upon successful proof of concept, lead deployment team including all relevant functions to ensure successful technology deployment and launch in minimum time
• Pro-actively identify partnerships with tech transfer offices, academia, technology providers, research centers, among others
• Contribute and participate to scientific communication and events
• Prepare documentation to support regulatory, IP, marketing or other cross-functional activities
• As part of Hovione’s innovation model, contribute to licensing, external communication or external fund-raising activities
• Manage in a strategic way the application for grants and funds that will contribute to our innovation processes
• Ensure compliance with GMP and HSE guidelines, internal and external requirements as well as promote the implementation and maintenance of Hovione´s policies, systems and procedures (COPs, HBR, SOPs and others)

• PhD in chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, innovation management or a related discipline
• At least 10 years experience within an R&D or Innovation environment
• Expertise in one of the related fields (qualification of new excipients, oncology, anti-ineffective, inhalation, bio enhancement, oral solid dosage forms, nutraceuticals, new biological modalities) is a plus
• Experience in contract management including Intellectual Property
• Excellent external network including academia, technology providers, consultants, etc
• Proven track record in leading technology development in an open innovation environment
• Proven track record in managing project portfolios and associated governance
• Excellent knowledge of relevant quality and regulatory guidelines is a plus
• Experience in working in cross-functional teams and fast-paced environments
• Team player, looking to tackle challenges together with your team
• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written)

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. At Hovione, that means a work environment where differences are valued, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We want all our team members worldwide to feel supported, respected, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity.