Head of Department – Veterinary Evaluation and Innovation

European Medicines Agency

Head of EMA veterinary medicines evaluation department advancing EU animal-health regulation. Leading scientific strategy, resources and regulatory guidance for safe, effective veterinary medicines across Europe.

Posted 8/10/2026full-timeAmsterdam • 🇳🇱 NetherlandsLead💰 €9,094 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in veterinary regulatory science and innovation, with a strong focus on strategic planning, leadership, and operational management within the pharmaceutical and biological sectors. Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder structures while ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Veterinary Regulatory ScienceLeadership and ManagementStrategic PlanningStakeholder ManagementFinancial Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Veterinary Medicines Product DevelopmentLifecycle ManagementRegulatory AffairsOperational EffectivenessBudgetingPerformance IndicatorsOrganisational Capability PlanningInnovations in Animal HealthComplex Scientific EnvironmentEU Regulatory System

Soft Skills

Decision-MakingCollaborative Team LeadershipTalent ManagementCommunicationCoaching and Developing

Industry Keywords

Life SciencesVeterinary EvaluationPharmaceuticalsBiologicalsCross-Cultural SensitivityContinuous ImprovementChange ManagementEthics and IntegrityCustomer CentricityVisionary Thinking

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide scientific leadership for the Veterinary Evaluation and Innovation Department and contribute to veterinary regulatory science and innovation across the European Medicines Regulatory Network
Manage operations, staff and overall resources across the pharmaceuticals and biologicals Services
Build strategic thought-partnerships with leaders, stakeholders and staff
Set and lead Department strategy in alignment with Division and Agency strategy and priorities
Coach and mentor Heads of Service, staff and teams
Engage in strategic planning processes and initiatives
Translate Agency and Division priorities into Department plans and work programmes
Drive collaboration across functions, services and offices
Provide steering, guidance and operational management on strategic priorities and programmes
Lead timely management reporting and cascade information from governance bodies and senior managers
Lead and manage matrix activities such as product teams and ad hoc task forces
Plan and allocate organisational capabilities and resources to meet Department objectives
Establish and oversee departmental objectives and performance indicators
Ensure effective, efficient and policy-compliant delivery of departmental activities
Delegate responsibilities based on employees’ strengths and value

Requirements

What you’ll need

Full rights as a citizen of an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
Thorough knowledge of English at least level C1 in speaking, writing and reading
Satisfactory knowledge of another official EU language at least level B2 in speaking, writing and reading
Fulfilment of applicable military service obligations
University degree in life sciences of minimum four years, or a three-year university degree in life sciences with the specified eligibility route
Degree must have been obtained by the closing date of the vacancy notice
12 years of professional experience from a four-year life sciences degree, or 13 years from a three-year degree
9 years of professional experience in veterinary and/or human medicines product development, lifecycle management and regulatory affairs, including relevant veterinary experience
Expertise sufficient to assist, consult with or lead other professionals in the field
7 years of professional experience in leadership and management of managers, multidisciplinary teams and staff within a complex scientific and regulatory environment
Experience in financial management and budgeting
Experience managing complex stakeholder structures within large international organisations
Solid understanding of current developments in veterinary medicines and the EU regulatory system
Knowledge of innovations in animal health and relevant horizontal legislation
High competence in organising work, resources and procedures for operational effectiveness
Experience organising and leading high-impact strategic initiatives
Required competencies include decision-making, collaborative team leadership, inspiring and engaging, relating and networking, talent management, visionary thinking and strategic planning, ethics and integrity, team collaboration, customer centricity, results orientation, communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, continuous improvement, managing change and transition, coaching and developing, and continuous learning and self-development
Full rights and qualification evidence must be provided in the application; proof may be required at interview

Benefits

Comp & perks

Development opportunities (e.g. internal mobility, mentoring, peer coaching, career reflection programme, etc.)
Work-life balance (flexible working arrangements, teleworking, generous annual leave plus official holidays)
Competitive monthly national tax-free salary
Household & children’s allowances (where applicable)
Expatriation privileges (for expatriate staff)
Education allowances (where appropriate)
Additional home leave
Relocation assistance
Excellent health insurance scheme
Social benefits
Retirement Pension Plan
Five-year renewable contract in principle