Director - Bioanalytics (Business Unit Head)

• About Ardena

Ardena is a leading contract research and development organization (CRO/CDMO) supporting the global pharmaceutical industry. We partner with companies—from virtual biotech to large pharma—to help bring their molecule(s) from discovery to the clinic and market. Our integrated portfolio includes drug substance development, drug product development, bioanalytical services, and regulatory dossier support.

• About Ardena Bioanalytics

As the Director, Bioanalytical Services / Business Unit Director (BUD), you will have full executive accountability for the success and growth of Ardena’s Bioanalytical Business Unit in the United States. This role carries end‑to‑end fiduciary responsibility, including ownership of P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning, while leading scientific, operational, and commercial performance.

You will be responsible for building, scaling, and leading a new U.S. bioanalytical laboratory, strategically leveraging Ardena’s global capabilities to deliver sustainable growth, operational excellence, and exceptional customer value. The role requires a proven leader with experience driving change, delivering results, and operating cross‑functionally within complex environments.

As a member of the Somerset Senior Leadership Team and the Bioanalytical Division Management Team, you will contribute to enterprise‑level strategy, integration, and long‑term value creation across Ardena.

If you want to work in a challenging, mission-driven environment where experts unite to develop innovative therapies for unmet medical needs, this is an exceptional opportunity to make an impact.

• Key Responsibilities

  Business & Financial Leadership (Primary Focus)

  • Hold full P&L accountability for the Bioanalytical Business Unit, including revenue performance, cost control, margin optimization, and financial outcomes.

  • Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long‑range planning, including OPEX and CAPEX.

  • Develop and execute business strategies that drive sustainable growth, profitability, and return on investment.

  • Establish and monitor financial, operational, and commercial KPIs, translating data into decisive action.

  • Ensure disciplined financial governance, risk management, and compliance with corporate controls.

  Operational & Scientific Leadership

  • Build, launch, and scale the U.S. bioanalytical laboratory with strong scientific capability and operational excellence.

  • Optimize capacity across people, processes, systems, and infrastructure to support growth.

  • Ensure high‑quality delivery of GLP and non‑GLP bioanalytical studies.

  • Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency aligned with business objectives.

  People & Change Leadership

  • Provide visible, inspiring leadership; coach, develop, and empower a high‑performing leadership team.

  • Drive organizational change, cultural alignment, and results in a fast‑growing environment.

  • Partner with HR on talent strategy, workforce planning, succession planning, and capability development.

  • Build a strong performance culture aligned with Ardena’s WE CARE values.

  Commercial & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Serve as the senior scientific and business representative for prospective and existing clients.

  • Actively support the commercial cycle—from strategic opportunity assessment through proposal development and contract negotiation.

  • Collaborate cross‑functionally with Commercial, Quality, Finance, HR, IT, and other Ardena divisions to leverage capabilities, drive synergies, and enable cross‑selling.

  • Conduct market and competitive analyses to identify growth opportunities and guide strategic investments.

  Required Competencies

  Leadership & Influence

  • Proven ability to lead senior teams, inspire performance, and deliver results through others.

  • Demonstrated experience driving change in complex or growing organizations.

  Strategic & Business Acumen

  • Ability to think beyond the laboratory; align scientific capabilities with business strategy.

  • Strong experience strategically leveraging internal and external capabilities.

  Financial & Fiduciary Expertise

  • Demonstrated P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and financial decision‑making.

  • Uses data and financial insights to guide strategy and execution.

  Operational Excellence

  • Deep understanding of bioanalytical operations, workflows, and compliance expectations.

  • Strong planning, prioritization, and problem‑solving capabilities.

  Commercial Mindset

  • Effective in customer engagement and translating scientific value into commercial success.

• Your Profile

• Master’s or PhD in (Bio)Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, or a related discipline.

• 8+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO environment, including senior leadership roles.

• Proven experience leading teams, managing business performance, and driving growth.

• Strong knowledge of GLP requirements and bioanalytical development from preclinical through Phase I–III.

• Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills.

• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast‑growing, and evolving business environment.

• What We Offer

• A rapidly growing, internationally oriented company with a strong service portfolio.

• A dynamic environment with a transparent, direct, people-centered culture rooted in WE CARE.

• Opportunities to innovate, lead, and make a meaningful impact on global health.

• Competitive compensation, including a bonus incentive plan.

• Flexible working hours.

• Candidates must be willing to relocate at their own expense.

Salary Range: $185,000 - $ 220,000