Title:  Associate Director, API R&D

Location: Amman, Jordan

Job Type: Full-time

Hashtag: #LI-OS1

About Us

For over 45 years, Hikma Pharmaceuticals has been putting better health within reach, every day, by creating high-quality medicines and making them accessible to those who need them. We are helping to shape a healthier world that enriches all our communities, and our global team of 9,400+ empowered colleagues are central to this mission.

As a trusted and reliable partner of over 825 high-quality generics, specialty and branded pharmaceutical products, we are driven to improve access to medicine. Through our 29 manufacturing plants, 3 R&D hubs across MENA, North America and Europe, our footprint allows us to play a critical role in serving patients. 

Description:

We are looking for a talented Associate Director, API R&D to join us. At Hikma you’ll be supported by a culture of progress and belonging where people are encouraged to develop, wellbeing is prioritised and our inclusive approach values contributions from all. We’re seeking candidates who embody our values: Innovative, driven to keep learning; Caring, genuinely compassionate in their work; and Collaborative, eager to solve problems together.

If you want to be part of a team that cares about impact, this is the place for you.

Job Purpose

To lead the strategic direction, governance, and execution of research and development activities across the function, ensuring the successful design, development, scale-up, regulatory readiness, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products in alignment with business objectives, quality standards, and global regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

• Define and drive the overall R&D vision, strategy, and innovation roadmap aligned with organizational growth priorities and portfolio needs.
• Ensure vertical alignment with corporate strategy and horizontal integration with Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Commercial functions.
• Lead portfolio prioritization, technology selection, and resource allocation to maximize development success and return on investment.

Governance, Policies & Compliance

• Establish, approve, and continuously enhance R&D policies, processes, and operating models to ensure compliance with global regulatory and quality standards.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislative, safety, environmental, and quality requirements across R&D operations.

Scientific & Technical Oversight

• Provide executive scientific leadership across synthesis, formulation, analytical development, validation, technology transfer, and scale‑up activities for standard and complex pharmaceutical products.
• Oversee experimental design, data interpretation, stability strategies, and technical risk mitigation to ensure robust, commercially viable products.
• Guide regulatory‑enabling development activities and ensure readiness for submissions and inspections in relevant markets.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, intellectual property landscapes, and industry trends to sustain competitive advantage and innovation.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Govern end‑to‑end development programs from concept through commercialization, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, scope, quality, and budget.
• Lead cross‑functional decision making, issue resolution, and risk management for complex development projects.
• Oversee external partnerships, CRO/CDMO collaborations, and technical alliances to ensure quality, efficiency, and knowledge transfer.

Financial Stewardship

• Direct the preparation, optimization, and control of the R&D budget, ensuring effective utilization of resources and identification of cost‑efficiency opportunities.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions to maintain alignment with strategic and operational objectives.

People & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary R&D teams through clear objectives, capability development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Champion operational excellence, digital enablement, and process optimization across R&D to enhance productivity, quality, and speed to market.
• Promote knowledge sharing, research visibility, and adoption of international best practices.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Provide executive‑level reporting on R&D performance, portfolio progress, risks, and strategic opportunities.
• Represent R&D in senior governance forums and with external stakeholders, partners, and regulatory bodies as required.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Ensure a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible R&D workplace aligned with corporate standards and regulatory expectations.

Related Assignments

Perform additional leadership or strategic duties as required by the organization.

Qualifications:

We are looking for candidates whose experience and skills align closely with the qualifications outlined below:

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.

Minimum Experience

• Significant progressive experience in pharmaceutical Research & Development, including senior leadership responsibility across multidisciplinary teams and complex product development portfolios.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and innovation management
• Deep scientific and technical expertise in pharmaceutical development
• Regulatory and quality compliance knowledge
• Portfolio and project governance
• Financial and operational management
• Stakeholder engagement and executive communication
• Talent development and organizational leadership
• Continuous improvement and change leadership

Learn more about Hikma in Jordan https://www.hikma.com/media/jukhqqdl/hikma-jordan-factsheet_-en-nov-2025.pdf