Director, Clinical Development Rare Disease

Director, Clinical Rare Disease for UK-based Medical Research OrganizationPermanent, full-time roleBased in London - 3 days onsite
We're partnered with a mission-driven life sciences organization dedicated to advancing innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases through collaborative research and clinical development. As the Director, Clinical Rare Disease, you will provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of clinical programs, guiding assets from development through key clinical milestones while ensuring scientific excellence and operational success. Working within a highly collaborative matrix environment, you will partner with internal leadership, external stakeholders, and global collaborators to shape clinical strategy and drive portfolio decisions. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to influence clinical development strategy, build high-performing teams, and represent the organization across regulatory, scientific, and industry forums. The role is ideal for an experienced clinical development leader with deep expertise in rare diseases and a passion for bringing innovative therapies to
patients.
Job DutiesDevelop and execute the clinical development strategy for a portfolio of rare disease programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and successful delivery of clinical milestones.Lead cross-functional clinical development teams, providing strategic oversight for program execution, risk management, governance, budgets, and portfolio prioritization.Drive regulatory and clinical interactions by supporting submissions, engaging with global regulatory authorities and external stakeholders, and contributing to key clinical documentation.Evaluate new collaboration opportunities, assess program viability and clinical development potential, and provide strategic recommendations for portfolio expansion and investment.Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing clinical team while representing the organization as a senior clinical leader across external partnerships, scientific forums, and collaborative initiatives.

Job RequirementsExtensive global clinical development experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, or medical technology sectors, with significant expertise in rare disease drug development -- ideally 10+ years of experience in clinical development.Proven experience developing and implementing clinical strategy, leading cross-functional teams, and managing clinical programs from early development through regulatory approval.Strong knowledge of global clinical research regulations, including experience with IND/CTA submissions, NDA/MAA/BLA filings, and interactions with international regulatory authorities.Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences required; PhD or MD is a plus, but not required. Professional qualifications in clinical research or clinical project management are advantageous.Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships, manage budgets, influence senior stakeholders, and, lead