Executive Director, Regulatory CMC

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

Description of Role

The Executive Director, Regulatory CMC will provide strategic leadership for global CMC regulatory activities across all stages of drug development and life cycle management. Reporting to the SVP, Regulatory and Medical Writing, this role serves as a liaison to health authorities, driving regulatory strategies, overseeing high-quality submissions, and ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines. The position requires deep expertise in small molecule development, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence organizational policies and processes in a fast-paced, growing environment. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to deliver innovative, compliant solutions that accelerate development and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall regulatory CMC strategy for drug development programs and life cycle management, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and timelines.
• Serve as a spokesperson and trusted liaison with FDA and other health authorities, leading negotiations and presenting CMC positions effectively.
• Develop de-risking strategies for CMC development, assess change controls, and identify opportunities to accelerate development in a dynamic environment.
• Lead creation and execution of comprehensive CMC development plans for new products, ensuring integration with Technical Operations and external partners.
• Partner with supply chain, clinical operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure readiness and compliance for clinical and commercial supply.
• Oversee preparation and quality of all CMC regulatory submissions (INDs, BLAs, MAAs, DMFs, IMPDs, amendments, annual reports), providing strategic direction and ensuring global compliance.
• Drive the development and implementation of departmental policies, SOPs, and best practices to support scalability and operational excellence in a growing organization.
• Interpret and communicate regulatory CMC requirements and expectations to internal teams and external partners to ensure program objectives are met.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives aimed at improving regulatory standards, systems, and processes across the organization.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific field (PharmD or PhD preferred).
• Minimum 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including at least 7 years in Regulatory CMC.
• Demonstrated experience across early-stage, late-stage development, and life cycle management for small molecule products.
• Comprehensive understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH CMC guidelines, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
• Proven experience preparing and submitting CMC regulatory documents (e.g., INDs, IMPDs, CTAs, BLAs, MAAs) and leading successful interactions with health authorities such as FDA and EMA.
• Track record of developing and executing CMC regulatory strategies, balancing near-term objectives with long-term goals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment; excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate regulatory viewpoints to diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and comfortable with both strategic planning and hands-on execution.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $285,000 - $370,000. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge.

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and participation in our equity program, allowing you to share in Centessa’s long-term success.

Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location

The Executive Director, Regulatory CMC role is a remote role based in the US, with occasional travel.

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.