Director Analytical Development

ppAt bArdena /b, we’re helping shape the future of medicine. Our teams work on the development of innovative and complex therapies that can improve the lives of patients around the world. /p pAs a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO), bArdena /b partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to turn scientific ideas into real treatments. From early development to manufacturing and regulatory support, we help bring new medicines to market faster and with the highest quality standards. /p pWith more than 750 colleagues across Europe and the United States, bArdena /b offers expertise in drug substance and drug product development, manufacturing, bioanalytical services, clinical logistics, fill finish, and CMC regulatory support. /p pBut what truly makes bArdena /b special is our people. We are a science-driven and people-focused company where collaboration, innovation, and curiosity are encouraged. /p pWe offer an international environment where you can learn, take initiative, and grow your career across teams, functions, and locations. Our way of working is guided by our CARE values: Communicative, Accountable, Reliable, and Excellent. These values shape how we collaborate, solve challenges, and support each other every day. /p pAt bArdena /b, you’re not just building your career — you’re helping build the future of medicine. /p pFor the Ardena Business Unit bDrug Product Development and Manufacturing (DDM) /b based in Ghent (Belgium), we are looking for a /p h3DIRECTOR ANALYTICAL DEVELOPMENT /h3 h3YOUR KEY ROLE /h3 pArdena Gent supports a global portfolio of customers in the development of innovative drug products, covering formulation and analytical development, preparation of regulatory dossiers, and GMP-compliant manufacturing and labeling of early-phase clinical materials. /p pWithin this context, the Analytical Development function plays a critical role in the development, validation, and lifecycle management of analytical methods, as well as in the execution of quality control testing for raw materials and finished drug products. While bArdena /b has a strong foundation in small molecule development, the expansion into aseptic fill finish (FF) activities has broadened the scope to include large molecules and oligonucleotide-based therapies. /p pAs Director Analytical Development, you are responsible for defining and executing the analytical strategy across all projects, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and scientifically robust analytical support throughout the product lifecycle. You lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 people, (associate) scientists and group leaders, while ensuring optimal resource planning and efficient organization of the department. In this role, you combine scientific leadership, operational excellence, and people management to drive performance and further expand bArdena’s /b analytical capabilities. /p h3YOUR

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
/h3 ul liYou define and oversee all analytical development and GMP-compliant QC activities across small and large molecule projects, ensuring scientifically sound and phase-appropriate approaches. /li liYou plan and organize departmental activities and resources to consistently meet or exceed targets related to quality, productivity, timelines, and capacity. /li liYou drive the implementation of new analytical techniques, technologies, and digital solutions, in close collaboration with validation and maintenance, to expand the service offering and improve efficiency. /li liYou lead, coach, and develop Group Leaders and (Associate) Scientists, ensuring clear goal setting, strong performance management and continuous team development. /li liYou support the professional growth of team members through structured feedback, coaching, and targeted training initiatives. /li liYou collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (Formulation Development, Production, Quality, Project Management) to resolve issues, define priorities, and translate these into clear, actionable plans. /li liYou provide strategic and technical input to client proposals, defining appropriate analytical strategies aligned with project scope and regulatory expectations. /li liYou are a member of and contribute to the local Management Team, actively supporting site strategy, operational decisions, and continuous improvement initiatives. /li liYou demonstrate the ability to strategically leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance Analytical Development performance, decision‑making, and innovation. You apply AI in a compliant, data‑driven manner to improve efficiency, quality and scientific insight, while guiding your team in responsible and effective AI adoption. /li liYou report to the Site Head of the Drug Development Manufacturing Business Unit. /li /ul h3YOUR PROFILE /h3 ul liYou hold a PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and bring at least 10 year