Head of R&D Process & Performance Excellence (Freelancer Onsite

Location: Cambridge and Lexington, MA (Hybrid)

Start Date: August 18, 2025

Engagement Type: Freelance / Contract (Full-Time)

Work Mode:

Primarily onsite at the client’s facilities in Cambridge and Lexington, MA

Up to 1–2 days per week remote work possible, depending on client needs

About Arcondis: Arcondis is a global consulting company exclusively focused on the life sciences industry. We specialize in delivering high-impact services in compliance, business process transformation, digital innovation, and data-driven solutions. With over 20 years of experience and offices in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, we help clients bring innovative therapies to patients faster and more efficiently—while staying compliant and competitive in an evolving landscape.

At Arcondis, we combine deep domain expertise with a collaborative spirit, offering our consultants the opportunity to work on meaningful projects at the forefront of science and technology.

About the Client: Our client is the global R&D organization of a leading biopharmaceutical company, active across a wide range of scientific and therapeutic areas—including drug discovery, translational research, global biologics, neuroscience, oncology, gastroenterology, and chemistry. The R&D organization is tightly integrated with dedicated R&D IT functions to deliver innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and digital enablement.

As part of a high-priority global program, we are supporting the implementation of an Accelerated Lean Six Sigma framework aimed at transforming laboratory operations. The initiative spans both scientific and IT domains and focuses on improving process efficiency, enhancing data integrity, and driving innovation through the optimization of lab environments, systems, and workflows.

Role Overview: We are looking for a Boston-area-based IT & R&D PMO and Pharma R&D Specialist to join our consulting team and lead the coordination and execution of prioritized process improvement initiatives. This role is central to Workstream Two – Implementation Coordination within the Accelerated Lean Six Sigma program. It combines program and project management, stakeholder engagement, and deep domain expertise in pharma R&D lab operations and systems.

This role requires someone who:

Has a strong continuous improvement mindset focused on benefit realization (value harvesting), preferably with Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification

Brings strong lab process improvement experience across both lab operations and IT, ideally with a BS/MS in life sciences, chemical engineering, or similar

Has proven experience leading and coordinating full implementation lifecycles for IT and process improvement projects, from assessment through benefit realization.

Can pragmatically manage a large improvement portfolio (~40 labs, with ~10–15 quick wins plus larger initiatives per process, potentially up to 800 opportunities) and deliver substantial, measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as PMO for the implementation of R&D process improvement opportunities (ranging from quick wins to large-scale initiatives)

Own and prioritize the improvement portfolio, including estimating, resource allocation, and tracking across multiple labs and initiatives

Proactively drive benefit realization (e.g., cost savings, efficiency, and quality improvements) with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach

Coordinate all aspects of implementation, including evaluation, planning, documentation (URS, functional/technical specs), stakeholder engagement, testing, training, and go-live

Collaborate with R&D and IT stakeholders, department leads, SMEs, and vendors to ensure efficient execution and measurable outcomes

Engage with stakeholders at all levels (from shopfloor to top management), tailoring messaging and ensuring alignment, coordination, and timely escalation where needed

Maintain and report on project status, benefit tracking, lessons learned, and risk/issue logs

Support change management activities to promote adoption and integration of solutions across the organization

Ensure clear ownership, accountability, and execution plans for each initiative

Strategic Contribution & Business Growth

Engage with key client stakeholders to demonstrate the value of delivered services and identify opportunities for expanding similar support across the organization

Contribute to showcasing tangible results and benefits to secure ongoing and future investment in the program

Support internal alignment and opportunity identification that can feed into broader operational excellence initiatives and related project proposals

Prepare final reports, documentation, and knowledge transfer materials to ensure the sustainable adoption and long-term impact of implemented process improvements

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, or a related field with strong relevance to pharmaceutical R&D.

10+ years of professional experience in the life sciences industry, with at least 7 years in pharmaceutical R&D environments

At least 5 years of experience leading or coordinating process improvement and/or digital transformation initiatives across cross-functional teams, including IT, lab operations, and vendors

Proven experience consulting clients on the full implementation lifecycle of process improvement projects (from opportunity identification through benefit realization)

Extensive knowledge of R&D lab processes, digital tools, and infrastructure (e.g., LIMS, ELNs, lab instrumentation, and data systems), preferably including R&D automation

Track record managing large, multi-lab portfolios and driving measurable results aligned to business outcomes

Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred; Green Belt required)

Experience working with agile methodologies and tools such as Jira or Confluence

Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to simplify complexity and present confidently to executives

Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver value quickly

Nice to Have

Prior experience working with or supporting Takeda or similar global pharma companies

Familiarity with “Lab of the Future” initiatives and emerging R&D technologies

Background in digital transformation, business analysis, or life sciences consulting

Why This Role?

High-visibility consulting assignment with a top-tier pharma innovator

Opportunity to shape and deliver meaningful change across scientific and digital domains

Dynamic and collaborative work environment with a mission-driven team

Long-term engagement with purpose and flexibility