Director, Head of Drug Substance & Analysis

Does it excite you to work with late-phase development of synthetic peptide drug substance and analytical methods, and do you have experience leading CMC teams? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities, then you could be our new colleague.

Your new position
As Director, Head of Drug Substance & Analysis within CMC Development, you will lead a talented team driving late-phase development of synthetic peptide drug substance and analytical methods. You will guide strategy and execution, collaborate closely with the Drug Product team and stakeholders across Zealand Pharma, and engage with external CMOs and partners. You will report to the Vice President of CMC Development and help shape robust development pathways that enable successful submissions and commercialization.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team through clear direction, coaching, feedback, and resource planning
• Drive CMC late-phase development activities and strengthen technical competencies and development strategies
• Ensure compliance with Zealand Pharma’s QMS and regulatory requirements, embedding a strong quality mindset
• Contribute operationally within relevant scientific areas when needed to advance program goals
• Cultivate cross-functional collaborations across projects, internal teams, CMOs, and partners to enable knowledge sharing and delivery

Your profile
A collaborative, purpose-driven leader with a solid scientific foundation and a supportive, engaging approach to team culture. Thrives in a fun, friendly, and highly professional environment, and motivates others through clarity, empathy, and drive. Navigates complex challenges with sound judgment and a proactive, goal-oriented mindset.

• M.Sc. or PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences
• Preferred 5+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience within Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), e.g., drug substance or analytical development; preferred peptide experience
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), guideline requirements, and regulatory submissions
• Experience outsourcing to CMOs and building productive external partnerships
• professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Leadership experience within the CMC field

Your new team
You will join CMC Development, working closely with the Drug Product team and collaborating across Zealand Pharma and with external CMOs and partners. The team fosters a friendly, helpful, and fun atmosphere focused on delivering impactful results together.

Let's bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.

Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.

Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply no later than November 2, 2025, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

For further information, please contact Britt Gren Sjøholm, BSjoholm@zealandpharma.com.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The company has development partnerships with a number of pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products. Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a team in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma's business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.