Head of Toxicology Group Regulatory Affairs at dsm-firmenich

Overview

Head of Toxicology Group Regulatory Affairs – Kaiseraugst, Geneva or Delft. Strategic and scientific leadership of the Toxicology Group within Regulatory Affairs/Science & Research (S&R) of dsm-firmenich. This role ensures product, environmental and human safety, scientific advancement, exceptional customer engagement and strong support to S&R and Business Units on innovation as well as business continuity, thereby delivering a clear competitive advantage and contributing to business growth and reputation.

• Strategic leadership: Provide toxicology thought leadership and develop/implement the global toxicology strategy in alignment with S&R, BUs and regulatory objectives. Serve as the primary toxicology expert for executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strategic leadership (Regulatory affairs): Contribute to the success of Regulatory Affairs as a member of its leadership team.
• Scientific leadership: Lead risk assessment, management and mitigation strategies for innovation projects and existing products.
• Ensure scientific rigor and regulatory compliance in all safety assessments.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends in scientific developments in toxicology; enhance scientific advancement with publications in peer-reviewed journals, share knowledge internally and externally.
• Regulatory support: Responsible for overall safety testing strategies and their compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Team & Budget Management: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of toxicologists and safety scientists. Ensure strong scientific expertise and capabilities. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for the Group Toxicology budget and resource management to secure proper allocation according to BU priorities and needs.
• External Engagement: Represent the company in key strategic meetings with regulatory authorities, customers, in external scientific committees, and registration consortia.
• Strategically build and maintain external and internal scientific networks (e.g., regulatory bodies, institutions, national & international toxicological societies), leverage external KOL with specific toxicological expertise and knowledge.

This role requires strong influential and managerial skills in contact with senior leadership and stakeholders in S&R, BUs, BU & Group Regulatory Affairs Leadership and Business partners; the position is also required to develop/manage relationships with customers and other external bodies like scientific associations and governmental authorities.

• A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset
• A culture that prioritizes safety and well-being, both physically and mentally
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity
• A firm belief that working together with our stakeholders and suppliers is the key to achieving great things
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.

• Extensive experience in a variety of senior roles pertaining to Toxicology, Regulatory and Compliance, with a global scope, ideally in similar industries whether on sector or customer side. Well-connected in the industry.
• Educational level: at least MS in toxicology or PhD and 15+ years’ experience. Certification as toxicologist (ERT or DABT).
• Exceptional people leadership skills. Inspires, Influences and motivates others to perform, also in a matrix organization and people who do not directly report into the role. Provides and accepts feedback from others.
• Strong Business Acumen:
  Can enhance the competitive advantage that Regulatory brings.
• Transformational & progressive leader. Understands, and masters change management, understands and drives technology and automation for change.
• Fast learner & hands on driving simplicity and efficiency, politically savvy.
• Strong drive, especially in a transforming environment. Continuously looks for ways to improve & promote scientific and regulatory innovation and to simplify to…