Senior Director, Explore R&D

Senior Director, Explore R&D

Eli Lilly Benelux

Cork, Ireland

Overall purpose

The purpose of the Senior Director ExploR&D for the Cork Organization is to lead a cross-functional team of technical experts, representing ExploR&D from hit generation through to clinical proof of concept. The Senior Director will provide leadership and scientific expertise to support delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects from external biotech partners. The Senior Director will partner with multiple functions, stakeholders, and third parties involved in the design and delivery of preclinical and early phase clinical development programs and will use their scientific expertise to influence strategic decisions and enable delivery of reliable results.

ExploR&D is seeking an initiative-taking Senior Director who is an excellent influencer and enjoys a fast paced, dynamic work environment. The ideal candidate has demonstrated drug development expertise, possesses sound judgment, and can obtain tangible results quickly.

This role leads a team of 8 direct reports, with an additional management layer being added to support growth.

Core Job Tasks

Clinical and Scientific Leadership in Cork

• Serve as an expert in drug development capable of advising on strategic decisions and directing resources.
• Build relationships with external parties relevant to ExploR&D development.
• Contribute to identification, prioritisation, and assessment of collaboration opportunities.
• Drive global solutions with the broader ExploR&D team and business partners.
• Contribute to ExploR&D strategic vision.
• Ensure all team activities align with applicable local/international regulations, GCPs, and Lilly policies and standards.
• Ability to use modern Artificial Intelligence tools to drive productivity, efficiency, and data insights.

People Management and Development

• Recruit, develop and retain a capable scientific, clinical, and operational workforce.
• Set performance objectives and development plans; evaluate and coach direct reports.
• Create and lead an agile organisation responsive to portfolio needs.
• Cultivate inclusion and innovation.
• Develop organisational talent and leadership capability.
• Ensure staffing flexibility and create a positive work environment.
• Define and implement staffing strategy for the Cork ExploR&D team.

Enterprise Leadership

• Identify and drive shared learning across ExploR&D and partner functions.
• Enable continuous improvement through process, technology, and automation.
• Engage externally to incorporate findings and improve clinical research practices.
• Demonstrated comfort operating within a relatively autonomous, externally facing organisation, distinct from traditional, tightly governed pharma line functions

Other information

Leadership

• Ability to maintain the ExploR&D brand image with internal and external sponsors.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and defend difficult positions.
• Consistent demonstration of leadership behaviours.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, self-management and organisational skills.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Strong project management skills.
• Risk management and mitigation planning.
• Knowledge of project management tools and processes.
• Strong Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD) in a scientific or health-related field.
• Minimum 10 years of scientific/medical and drug development experience.
• Detailed understanding and hands-on experience with clinical trial design and execution,
• 5 years prior supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of FDA, ICH, CHMP, GCPs and principles of medical research.
• Strong administrative and leadership skills.