• About Ardena

Ardena is a leading contract research and development organization (CRO/CDMO) supporting the global pharmaceutical industry. We partner with companies—from virtual biotech to large pharma—to help bring their molecule(s) from discovery to the clinic and market. Our integrated portfolio includes drug substance development, drug product development, bioanalytical services, and regulatory dossier support.

With over 700 professionals across Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, and the United States, Ardena continues to grow rapidly while maintaining an open, transparent, and people-first culture. Our work is anchored in our WE CARE values, which guide how we innovate, collaborate, and support the patients we ultimately serve.

• About Ardena Bioanalytics

Ardena Bioanalysis offers a comprehensive range of innovative bioanalytical services, supporting projects from early discovery through Phase IV clinical studies. Our GLP-compliant laboratories provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of drugs and biomarkers using LC‑MS/MS, ligand-binding assays (ELISA), qPCR, and flow cytometry.

As part of our U.S. expansion, we are establishing a new bioanalytical laboratory in Somerset, New Jersey. To lead this strategic build-out, we are seeking a dynamic Business Unit Head / Director, Bioanalytical Services.

If you want to work in a challenging, mission-driven environment where experts unite to develop innovative therapies for unmet medical needs, this is an exceptional opportunity to make an impact.

• What You Will Work On

As the Business Unit Director (BUD), you will play a pivotal role in shaping and growing Ardena’s Bioanalytical Services in the U.S. This includes building and leading a new laboratory, driving operational and scientific excellence, and strengthening our customer and stakeholder relationships.

Your leadership will bring Ardena’s WE CARE values to life:

• We lead with innovation — You will drive scientific, operational, and organizational innovation to build a state-of-the-art bioanalytical capability.

• Enhance the lives of patients — Every strategic decision you make supports faster and more reliable development of life-changing medicines.

• Communicative — You promote transparency, alignment, and engagement both internally and with customers.

• Accountability — You take ownership of performance, quality, and results, ensuring the business unit delivers on its commitments.

• Reliable — You build a dependable organization grounded in scientific rigor, operational quality, and strong customer service.

• Excellent — You set high expectations for yourself and your team, fostering a culture of scientific and operational excellence.

You will also join the Somerset Senior Leadership Team and the Bioanalytical Division Management Team, contributing to broader strategy and integration.

• Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the new US bioanalytical lab, ensuring strong scientific capability and operational excellence.

• Manage full P&L responsibility, including OPEX and CAPEX planning and execution.

• Optimize resource capacity across staff, equipment, and facilities.

• Establish and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to meet commercial, operational, and financial goals.

• Provide inspiring people leadership—coaching, developing, and empowering your team.

• Act as the primary host for prospective clients and support the commercial cycle from inquiry through contract negotiation.

• Ensure high-quality execution of GLP and non‑GLP projects.

• Partner with HR on training, talent development, succession planning, and team structure.

• Collaborate with other Ardena divisions to drive synergy, cross-selling, and integration.

• Conduct market analysis, assess competitive positioning, and identify business opportunities.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across scientific, operational, and commercial activities.

• Required Competencies

• Leadership & People Development

• Inspires and motivates teams; demonstrates empathy, coaching, and empowerment.

• Builds a culture aligned with Ardena’s WE CARE values.

• Strategic Thinking & Innovation

• Thinks beyond the lab; anticipates market needs, identifies opportunities, and drives strategic execution.

• Innovates across scientific, operational, and commercial processes.

• Operational Excellence

• Deep understanding of bioanalytical workflows and compliance.

• Strong planning, prioritization, capacity management, and problem-solving skills.

• Commercial Acumen

• Skilled in customer engagement, proposal support, and relationship-building.

• Understands how scientific value translates into commercial success.

• Business & Financial Insight

• Strong P&L ownership experience.

• Makes data-driven decisions with a focus on long-term impact.

• Your Profile

• Master’s or PhD in (Bio)Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, or related discipline.

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or related industry, including a track record of strong leadership.

• Expertise in analytical sciences and familiarity with early-phase development (preclinical through Phase I–III).

• Knowledge of GLP expectations and quality requirements.

• Excellent communication and persuasion skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

• Strong critical thinking, innovative mindset, and strategic execution capability.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, dynamic environment.

• What We Offer

• A rapidly growing, internationally oriented company with a strong service portfolio.

• A dynamic environment with a transparent, direct, people-centered culture rooted in WE CARE.

• Opportunities to innovate, lead, and make a meaningful impact on global health.

• Competitive compensation, including a bonus incentive plan.

• Flexible working hours.