During the diligence/integration planning associated with the acquisition, NPTI will partner intimately with Corporate Development, R&D, Finance, Legal and Commercial to ensure the Tech Ops plan meets the objectives of all relevant functions. Since integration usually requires a change in Jazz business processes and present unique challenges, this role requires the ability to develop an innovative strategic framework and then establish a tactical approach which will deliver the deal “imperatives”. In this capacity, the Head will engage with senior leaders across the organization, both inside and outside of Tech Ops, to coach, challenge or otherwise influence so that there is a unified approach to integration consistent with Jazz values and deal imperatives. The position has high accountability and visibility within the Company in terms of technical/risk assessment, coordination inside and outside of Jazz, innovation and decision making, due to the value associated with the deals. This role must be able to operate effectively as an organizational leader, influencing strategies and tactics at the appropriate level, up to the most senior, in all other functional groups in both Jazz and the Partner Company. NPTI is also responsible to assess feasibility of new technologies to improve manufacturing robustness or facilitate life cycle management (LCM) by overseeing studies which will elucidate value and give insight into the development approach.

Essential Functions

• Accountable for functional aspects of department: budget, staff oversight, performance management and development.

• Oversee NPTI response to Corporate Development initiatives to ensure it is agile, timely, and appropriately rigorous. Because of the small size of the department, the Head will need to take an appropriate share of these activities on an interim basis.

• Provide feedback and strategic direction to improve efficiency of diligence process.Oversee the engagement of NPTI with applicable functions during due diligence and integration planning/execution to ensure all functional accountabilities are identified and supported.

• Ensure activities to deliver deal imperatives and to mitigate risks are properly defined and vetted with SMEs/accountable managers both within Jazz and the License Partner.

• Challenge teams to adopt innovative approaches which shorten timelines and mitigate risk.

• Challenge the Tech Ops integration plan to ensure it is technically rigorous, has been thoroughly risk-assessed and meets the strategic imperatives of the deal.

• Establish and monitor imperatives for the Licensor relationship and direct coaching of the Tech Ops teams as appropriate.

• Ensure that applicable license and supply agreements are structured to permit/facilitate a broad range of potential approaches to development and/or commercialization.

• Secure input from senior management to validate approaches and manage limitations.

• Maintain and continually refine NPTI tools, playbooks and other aids to ensure continuous improvement in both diligence and integration processes.

• Engage other functions within Jazz to support their efforts and ensure growth towards world-class excellence in making and executing deals.

• Coach/mentor Tech Ops and other functional staff to help them align effectively in both program planning and in securing a win-win relationship with the Licensor. Highlight and train on cultural aspects which may impact relationship.

• Champion development, expansion and protection of intellectual property through both patent and trade secret routes.

• Promote early thinking on LCM and new product presentations.

• Engage senior leaders in the organization to ensure the integration processes reflect Jazz values and evince Jazz as a Partner of choice.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep business acumen and emotional intelligence to understand motivations and issues behind Licensor decisions and negotiating positions. Must be able to find commonality and achieve a win-win relationship with all Partners.

• Proven skills in leadership, collaborative management of corporate processes and engagement with cross-functional teams, including sensitivity and adaptability to cultural norms and preferences. Significant experience in effective matrix management is required.

• Proven proficiency in critical assumption planning, risk identification and mitigation and in effective outcome wargaming. Comfortable with risk and innovative or pioneering approaches to work.

• Some of this role’s accountability is fulfilled through mentoring/influencing/challenging other functional leaders at senior levels. Proven flexibility and adeptness in engaging all levels of the organization and organizational leadership is a must.

• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and simply (both orally and in writing) on both technical and business issues.

• Proven ability to manage technical assessment outside of specific background, engaging appropriate technical expertise and coordinating functional inputs to achieve desired result.

Technical background (highly desirable)

• Experience in the technical development (both API and formulation) of both large and small molecules at all stages of development and of the associated (i.e., phase specific) regulatory requirements and approval processes.

• Deep understanding of operational aspects of both clinical and commercial stage manufacturing and how cultural aspects/norms may impact. Includes knowledge of challenges associated with use of Contract Manufacturing Organizations and global supply.

• Experience with diligence processes at various stages and with various technologies. Experience in integration programs highly desirable.

Required/Preferred Education, Experience and Licenses

• Bachelor of Science, Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the fields of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field, is required.

• At least 15 years of hands-on experience in drug development and validation, preferably in pharmaceutical or biotech company. This must include experience in program outsourcing and management of CMOs/CRO.

• The ideal candidate will have experience from early feasibility to post-commercialization and one or more areas of deep technical knowledge.