Filler Program Director

Summary Of The Position

The Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Filler Program Lead is responsible for the evaluation, development, and lifecycle execution of HA filler assets, supporting the build-out of a competitive global aesthetics portfolio.

The portfolio will be primarily built through external innovation, with this role partnering closely with Business Development & Licensing to assess and progress external opportunities. The role does not define portfolio strategy but ensures that selected assets are rigorously evaluated and effectively translated into approvable and commercially viable products.

This position sits at the intersection of Business Development, R&D, Regulatory, Medical, and Commercial, ensuring seamless execution from asset assessment through development, industrialization, regulatory approval, and lifecycle management.

The HA Filler Program Lead acts as a central integrator and technical expert, responsible for shaping development approaches and driving disciplined execution across internal functions and external partners.

As a Recognized Expert In HA Injectable Development, You Will Lead The Progression Of Assets From Initial Evaluation Through To Commercial Readiness, Including

• Assessment of product design and technical characteristics
• Definition of development and evidence requirements (clinical and non-clinical)
• Oversight of regulatory strategy and submission readiness
• Ensuring manufacturing and industrialization feasibility
• Alignment of product features with injector needs and commercial requirements

From asset selection through to market readiness, you will drive execution, balancing technical feasibility, regulatory requirements, and practical usability to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality delivery.

You will play a critical role in enabling the delivery of an innovative filler portfolio that complements our recombinant neuroinhibitor, corabotase, ensuring assets are not only approvable, but also fit-for-use, differentiated, and competitive in clinical practice.

Main Responsibilities

External Asset Evaluation & Integration

Lead the technical and development assessment of externally sourced HA filler assets in close collaboration with Business Development & Licensing

Evaluate

• Product design and performance characteristics (e.g. rheology, usability)
• Clinical evidence and data packages
• Regulatory feasibility across key markets
• Manufacturing robustness and scalability
• Identify development gaps, risks, and requirements to ensure assets are fit for progression
• Provide clear, cross-functional recommendations to support asset selection decisions

Development Strategy Translation & Program Planning

Translate asset-level decisions into practical and fit-for-purpose development plans

Define

• Evidence requirements (clinical and non-clinical)
• Regulatory pathways and submission approach
• Industrialization and technical readiness requirements
• Build and maintain integrated program plans covering timelines, milestones, risks, and budget

End-to-End Development Execution

Lead the execution of HA filler development programs from asset selection through to registration and commercial readiness

Drive Cross-functional Delivery Across

• Regulatory
• Clinical Development / Medical Affairs
• Quality and Manufacturing
• Supply Operations

Regulatory & Approval Delivery

Define and drive global regulatory strategy execution for HA fillers

Ensure Readiness For

• CE marking (EU MDR)
• FDA and other key market registrations
• Oversee preparation of technical files, clinical documentation, and submission dossiers
• Manage interactions with regulatory stakeholders (internally and externally)
• Ensure compliance throughout development and submission

Manufacturing & Industrialization Readiness

Ensure that externally sourced products are technically and operationally ready for scale-up and commercial supply

Collaborate With

• External manufacturing partners
• Internal quality and supply teams

External Partner Management

Act as the primary program lead for external partners (developers, manufacturers, licensors)

Ensure

• Alignment on development scope and deliverables
• Delivery against agreed timelines, cost, and quality
• Drive performance through clear governance and escalation mechanisms
• Maintain strong, constructive, and performance-focused partnerships

Cross-functional Integration & Alignment

Act as the central integrator across internal functions, ensuring alignment between:

• Technical/development requirements
• Regulatory constraints
• Commercial and medical needs

Lifecycle Management Execution

Support and drive post-approval lifecycle activities, including:

• Geographic expansion
• Indication extensions (where relevant)
• Product updates and improvements
• Ensure ongoing compliance and competitiveness of the portfolio

Governance & Reporting

• Prepare and present program updates, risks, and recommendations to governance bodies
• Ensure decision readiness through:
  • High-quality analysis
  • Clear articulation of trade-offs and risks
  • Maintain transparency and alignment with senior stakeholders

Knowledge & Experience

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline (e.g. Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, Material Science) preferred
• Additional business exposure (e.g. MBA or equivalent) is a plus but not required
• 10 – 15+ years of experience of HA fillers, injectables, or comparable device-based technologies
• Proven experience in development and program leadership within a regulated environment (EU MDR, FDA or equivalent)
• Strong track record in leading development of medical devices or injectables from evaluation through to registration and market readiness
• Experience working with:
  • External partners (manufacturers, licensors, developers, CDMOs)
  • Cross-functional global teams (Regulatory, Quality, Clinical, Manufacturing, Commercial)