Director - Chemical R&D

At TAPI, we’re not just a company—we’re a community committed to advancing health from the core. As the world’s leading supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), we partner with 80% of the top 50 global pharmaceutical companies. With a legacy spanning over 80 years and a portfolio of more than 350 products, as well as custom CDMO services, we’re shaping the future of health worldwide.



Our strength lies in our people—a team of over 4,200 professionals across 13 state-of-the-art facilities in Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Israel, Mexico, and India. Together, we innovate, solve problems, and deliver excellence. Join us and be part of a mission that transforms lives.

Purpose of the job

The Head of Department (HOD) will lead the Process Research & Development function, driving scientific excellence, innovation, operational effectiveness, and strategic growth across the department. The role is responsible for developing robust, scalable, and commercially viable chemical processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, safety, and intellectual property requirements.

The role will oversee multiple complex development programs, mentor and develop high-performing teams, foster cross-functional and global collaborations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the departmental strategy aligned with organizational goals and business priorities.
• Lead multiple complex R&D programs and initiatives to ensure timely achievement of project milestones and deliverables.
• Develop macro and micro plans to effectively manage resources, priorities, timelines, and project execution.
• Drive innovation and technological advancement across the department through adoption of new methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Scientific & Technical Excellence

• Provide technical leadership and expert guidance in Organic Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Drug Regulatory Affairs, Intellectual Property (IP), and Quality Assurance.
• Support project teams in solving complex chemistry and process development challenges.
• Ensure scientific rigor in process design, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer activities.
• Review and approve technical strategies, development approaches, and project recommendations.

Innovation & Process Excellence

• Champion implementation of advanced scientific and digital tools, including:
  • Sustainable technologies and green chemistry initiatives
  • Statistical methodologies for process robustness and optimization
  • Kinetic modeling platforms such as DINOCHEM
  • Reaction Lab and other advanced process development technologies
• Drive initiatives focused on:
  • Process Excellence Index
  • Greenness Score
  • Atom Economy
  • Quality Service Level metrics
• Promote continuous improvement in process yield, cycle time, operational efficiency, raw material utilization, and overall process sustainability.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, managers, and technical leaders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Build organizational capability by identifying and developing future leaders and technical experts.
• Motivate team members to challenge existing processes and identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency gains.

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration

• Partner closely with Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, EHS, and Project Management teams.
• Collaborate with global R&D sites and international stakeholders to leverage scientific knowledge and best practices.
• Represent the department in leadership forums, governance reviews, and strategic business discussions.

Safety, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure the highest standards of laboratory safety and compliance with EHS requirements.
• Drive implementation of safe practices for chemical handling, laboratory operations, and process development activities.
• Establish and maintain Good Documentation Practices (GDP) within the department.
• Ensure adherence to applicable quality systems, regulatory requirements, and corporate policies.
• Manage departmental budget planning and resource allocation effectively.

Education

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in Pharmaceutical/API Process R&D.
• Significant leadership experience managing large scientific teams and complex development portfolios.
• Proven track record in process development, technology transfer, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Experience working in a global, matrix-driven environment is highly desirable.

Make Your Mark with TAPI

Your journey with TAPI is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on global health. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and inspire, we’re excited to welcome you to our team. Together, let’s shape the future of pharmaceuticals. Apply on top of this page and our talent acquisition team will be in touch soon!