Chief of Staff - Pharma Strategy

Role Overview:

We are looking for a dynamic and high-potential Chief of Staff Pharma Strategy to work directly with the CMD / Founder & Managing Director in driving API-focused strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and business growth across manufacturing and marketing functions.

This is a high-impact, high-visibility role offering unique exposure to leadership decision-making, API business strategy, M&A initiatives, and enterprise growth planning within the pharmaceutical sector.

Key Responsibilities:

- Act as a strategic partner to the CMD on Pharma API business priorities

- Drive API strategy formulation and execution across manufacturing and marketing functions

- Lead strategic initiatives including capacity expansion, cost optimization, backward integration, and portfolio rationalization

- Support M&A activities, including target identification, valuation, financial modeling, due diligence, and post-merger integration

- Develop and evaluate financial models, business cases, and capital investment proposals

- Drive operational efficiency and performance improvement initiatives across plants and commercial teams

- Track execution through PMO governance, KPIs, and dashboards

- Prepare board-level presentations, strategy decks, and leadership reviews

- Act as a bridge between plant leadership, commercial teams, and the CMDs office

Preferred candidate profile:

- Bachelors Degree in Engineering Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Engineering (mandatory)

- Postgraduate Degree from IIM (MBA / PGDM mandatory)

- Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in pharma strategy, operations, or consulting

- Proven experience in driving Pharma API strategy across manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial/marketing functions

- The position will be based in Chennai

Candidate Background:

Candidates currently working with:

a. Top Pharma Consulting Firms, or

b. Reputed Pharma API / Formulation Manufacturing Companies only are eligible to apply

- Strong exposure to CXO-level engagements in pharma or life sciences

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Deep understanding of Pharma API manufacturing, cost structures, and regulatory environment

- Strong expertise in strategy, M&A, and financial modeling

- Excellent analytical rigor, structured problem solving, and business acumen

- Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills

- Ability to operate in high-ambiguity, high-accountability environments

Preferred Attributes:

- Prior experience working directly with CMD / CXO leadership

- Exposure to greenfield/brownfield API plant expansions

- Experience in global API markets and customer-facing strategy

Note:

This role is open exclusively to candidates with current experience in Pharma companies or consulting firms serving Pharma clients, with strong hands-on experience in API and formulations.

Applications outside this scope will not be considered.