JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: | R&D Manager | O*NET Code: | 11-9121.00 (Natural Sciences Managers) |
Job Level: | L5 — Manager | Job Code: | WR-RD-04 |
Sector: | R&D — Pharmaceutical Sciences | Company: | Wadi Al-Rafidain Company |
Division: | R&D Leadership | Department: | Research & Development |
Section: | R&D Department | Reports To: |
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Subordinates: |
| Functional Manager |
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Job Purpose |
Lead the company's Research & Development department — own the product-development pipeline, formulation strategy, analytical method development, technology transfer, and regulatory submissions — and ensure that the R&D function delivers a competitive portfolio safely, on time, and in full compliance with applicable standards. The role applies specialist expertise within the Research & Development domain, ensuring that day-to-day work meets technical, regulatory, and quality requirements while contributing to the unit's continuous-improvement agenda. The job-holder is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy on routine tasks while escalating complex matters appropriately. |
Key Duties & Responsibilities |
● Set the R&D strategy and annual roadmap in line with company objectives and market opportunities. ● Lead the pharmaceutical product-development pipeline from concept through pilot, scale-up, and launch. ● Oversee the Methodology section, Formulation Specialists, and R&D Coordinators; develop their capabilities. ● Approve method validation reports, formulation development reports, and technology-transfer dossiers. ● Liaise with Regulatory Affairs on MOH submissions, variations, and registration renewals. ● Manage the R&D budget, capex, and external research partnerships. ● Drive a culture of scientific rigour, data integrity, and innovation across the department. ● Represent R&D in executive committees, regulatory inspections, and customer / partner technical reviews. ● Apply specialist technical knowledge to ongoing operations and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. ● Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with regulatory and quality-system requirements (ALCOA+, ISO 9001). ● Support audits, inspections, and certification programmes by providing technical evidence on request. ● Participate in cross-functional projects to address operational challenges and improvement opportunities. |
Qualifications & Requirements |
Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or Chemistry; M.Sc. or PhD strongly preferred. Iraqi Pharmacist Syndicate / Chemists Association membership.
● Languages: Working proficiency in Arabic (native or near-native) and English (intermediate or above for technical reading and reporting). ● Computer literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the company's enterprise systems (ERP/LIMS/CMMS as applicable to the role). |
Experience |
Minimum 10–12 years in pharmaceutical R&D including 3+ years at section head or manager level.
● Track record of successful delivery in a comparable role within a regulated or quality-driven environment. ● Demonstrated ability to operate within an Iraqi-Group setting, working with internal stakeholders across functions and external regulators / partners. |
Skills & Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) |
Knowledge ● Pharmaceutical product development lifecycle ● ICH Q1-Q14, CTD dossier structure ● Pharmacopoeial standards (USP, BP, EP, IP) ● R&D budget and project management Skills ● Strategic R&D leadership ● Scientific decision-making ● People development and mentoring ● Stakeholder management Abilities ● Translate scientific insight into commercial outcomes ● Balance innovation with regulatory compliance ● Lead through ambiguity and long development timelines |
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) |
● New products delivered to market — Target: ≥ 4 per year | Frequency: Annual | Source: R&D portfolio ● Methods developed and validated — Target: ≥ 8 per year | Frequency: Annual | Source: Validation tracker ● Regulatory dossier acceptance — Target: ≥ 85% first-round | Frequency: Per submission | Source: MOH submissions ● R&D budget adherence — Target: Within ±5% | Frequency: Quarterly | Source: Finance ● Staff development plan completion — Target: ≥ 90% | Frequency: Annual | Source: HRIS |
Prepared by: (Direct Manager) | Reviewed by: (BUHR / HRBP) | Approved by: (Group OD Manager) | Approved by: (Group HR Director) |
Name: ____________ Position: _________ Signature: ________ Date: ____________ | Name: ____________ Position: _________ Signature: ________ Date: ____________ | Name: ____________ Position: _________ Signature: ________ Date: ____________ | Name: ____________ Position: _________ Signature: ________ Date: ____________ |
Acknowledgement This certifies that I have read the job description and I am able to perform all essential duties as outlined. Employee Name: ________________ Signature: ________________ Date: ________________ |
