Mantell Associates
Mantell Associates is exclusively partnered with a leading Cell Therapy CDMO in their search for a Senior Director and Head of Human Resources. You will play a critical, hands-on role in the strategic management and day-to-day operations of the HR function.
Senior Director Human Resources – Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with company objectives and the needs of the business, supporting a growth-oriented and innovative culture
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the leadership team on all HR-related matters, ensuring alignment of HR practices with company goals
- Ensure a scalable, efficient HR structure that supports the evolving needs of the organization
- Lead the recruitment process for key positions, working closely with hiring managers to identify needs, create job descriptions, and attract top talent
- Manage and enhance the company’s employer brand on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and other relevant recruitment platforms
- Oversee internal and external corporate communications, ensuring consistent messaging aligned with company goals and values
- Lead the development and execution of communication strategies for internal employee engagement, leadership messaging, and corporate announcements
- Act as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and conflict resolution
- Design and implement training programs to enhance employee skills, leadership capabilities, and overall workforce development
- Partner with senior leadership to develop and refine compensation strategies and ensure equitable and performance-driven rewards
- Ensure HR policies and practices comply with New Jersey state employment laws, federal regulations, and other state-specific regulations governing remote workers across the U.S.
- Develop relationships with local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and government officials to enhance the company’s presence in New Jersey and surrounding regions
- Partner with the EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) team to promote a safe and healthy work environment, ensuring compliance and state-specific safety regulations
Senior Director Human Resources – Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Life Sciences, or a related field; a Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is preferred
- CDMO experience is required, with a proven understanding of the pharmaceutical, biotech, GMP manufacturing, and cell therapy industries
- Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing HR teams within regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, and cell therapy
- Proven hands-on experience across all facets of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, organizational development, and workforce planning, especially in the context of biopharma, GMP manufacturing, and cutting-edge sectors like cell and gene therapy
- Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations, with expertise in managing HR functions in highly regulated environments, specifically within New Jersey state laws, GMP standards, and industry-specific compliance for the pharma and biotech sectors
- Demonstrated ability to build and implement HR strategies that align with business objectives in high-growth, innovation-driven environments, with experience supporting clinical, commercial manufacturing, and R&D in biotech and pharmaceutical companies
- In-depth knowledge of the challenges unique to cell therapy, biologics, and gene therapy, and a strong ability to attract, retain, and manage top talent in these highly specialized and competitive field
Mantell Associates is a specialist Pharmaceutical and Life Science headhunting firm. For more information on this opportunity, contact us at +44 (0)20 3854 7700.