Sector Leader - Life Science

Position Overview

This role blends technical expertise with visionary leadership to create environments that support research, manufacturing, and compliance in a rapidly evolving industry. The Life Science Sector Leader is responsible for driving the strategic vision, growth, and operational excellence of the Life Sciences design practice within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the practice’s strategic plan aligned with corporate goals.

• Establish design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks for life science projects.

• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and innovation.

• Develop and implement a design vision that aligns with the biotech company’s mission to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

• Establish best practices for facility design that optimize flexibility, scalability, and sustainability for biotech operations.

• Stay ahead of emerging trends in cell and gene therapy, biologics manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver world-class biotech facilities.

• Lead design proposals for new labs, pilot plants, and GMP manufacturing spaces tailored to biotech needs.

• Represent the company at biotech industry forums and thought leadership events.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships to expand market share in the life sciences sector.

• Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and lead proposal efforts.

• Represent the practice at industry conferences, events, and thought leadership forums.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy with the Science and Technology team for the life sciences sector aligned with corporate objectives.

• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes to position the company as an industry leader.

• Define target markets, service offerings, and go-to-market strategies to drive revenue growth.

• Oversee design execution for complex biotech facilities, ensuring compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and global standards.

• Integrate advanced technologies such as modular cleanrooms, single-use systems, and digital design tools (BIM).

• Ensure designs support innovation, operational efficiency, and rapid scale-up for clinical and commercial production.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design teams across architecture, engineering, and process disciplines.

• Ensure projects meet client expectations for functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Build a High-Performing Team: Recruit top talent with expertise in biotech facility design, including architects, engineers, and process specialists.

• Mentorship & Career Growth: Provide structured mentorship programs and individualized development plans to help team members advance their technical and leadership skills.

• Foster Collaboration: Create an environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork between design, operations, and regulatory teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Culture of Innovation: Promote a culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring the team stays ahead of biotech industry trends.

• Performance Management: Set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability measures for team members, and conduct regular performance reviews to drive excellence.

• Training & Upskilling: Implement ongoing training programs focused on GMP compliance, emerging biotech technologies, and digital design tools (e.g., BIM, Revit).

• Resource Planning: Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects, balancing workload and maintaining efficiency.

• Leadership Development: Identify and groom future leaders within the practice to support succession planning and long-term growth.

• Sector Leadership & Collaboration: Serve as the internal advocate for the life sciences sector, ensuring alignment across design, engineering, and delivery teams.

• Collaborate with business leaders, practice leaders and project managers to deliver integrated solutions that meet client expectations.

• Provide market insights and guidance to inform project strategies and innovation initiatives.

• Set and monitor sector performance metrics, including revenue, profitability, and market share.

• Develop annual business plans and budgets for the sector.

• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and industry regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in life sciences facility design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional business development, client relationship, and strategic planning skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience with advanced technologies such as modular design, cleanroom systems, and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with digital design tools (BIM, Revit) and data-driven design approaches.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for executive-level engagement.