General role description
Vice Presidents in contract research organisations (CROs) and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies lead a defined function such as clinical development, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or data science. These executive-level roles provide strategic oversight, make sure their team delivers high-quality, reliable work, and contribute to broader organisational leadership. Vice Presidents work closely with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to align their team’s goals and priorities with the company’s overall strategy.
Key tasks and responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction and daily work of a specialised team or department (often referred to as a 'function')
- Oversee delivery of services or research activities in line with quality, regulatory, and client expectations
- Represent the function at executive level and contribute to overall company strategy
- Build and manage relationships with clients, regulators, and external partners
- Find ways to improve how the team works, introduce better processes or tools, and help the function stay up to date with new developments
Workplace settings
- Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies
- Contract research organisations (CROs)
Required qualifications
- A degree in life sciences, public health, medicine, business, or a relevant discipline
- Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. PhD, MBA) are often preferred
Other notable requirements
- Extensive leadership experience in the relevant functional area
- In-depth understanding of the relevant functional area, such as clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or data science
- Strong stakeholder engagement and strategic decision-making skills
- Proven ability to lead large teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Common entry points
Director, Specific Function (e.g. Director of Clinical Operations, Director of Regulatory Affairs)
Common next roles
Senior Vice President in related function
Chief-level role (e.g. Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Officer)