Group Managing Director

Role Overview

We are looking for a senior executive to take on the role of Group Managing Director for a life sciences investment and operating group. The position is based in Germany and carries an international scope across a varied portfolio of companies in the life sciences space.

The organisation is privately held and active across several businesses, with this leadership role focused on strategic direction, governance, and support for value creation across portfolio companies operating in different markets.

This opportunity suits a highly experienced leader who brings together deep sector knowledge, commercial strength, and the ability to engage effectively at board level while helping businesses scale, transform, and grow internationally.

Working with the Group leadership team, portfolio company CEOs, boards, investors, and other stakeholders, the successful candidate will help deliver growth, operational improvement, and long-term enterprise value.

Portfolio Leadership and Value Creation

• Set the strategic direction for the life sciences portfolio and provide oversight across group businesses.
• Work alongside portfolio company CEOs and leadership teams to shape and implement growth plans.
• Drive value creation across commercial, operational, organisational, and financial areas.
• Support companies during major growth phases such as international expansion, acquisitions, fundraising, partnerships, and entry into new markets.
• Track progress against strategic and financial goals and ensure disciplined execution.

Governance and Stakeholder Management

• Act as the Group’s representative on portfolio company boards where required.
• Put in place and maintain effective governance structures aligned with shareholder expectations and regulatory standards.
• Develop strong, trusted relationships with management teams, investors, scientific leaders, external partners, and wider industry stakeholders.
• Offer constructive challenge and strategic advice while supporting entrepreneurial ways of working.

Strategic Development

• Assess new investment opportunities, acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic transactions in the life sciences sector.
• Carry out commercial and strategic analysis to inform investment decisions.
• Identify industry trends, emerging technologies, and market opportunities that can strengthen portfolio performance.
• Help shape and execute the Group’s wider life sciences strategy.

Operational Excellence

• Support leadership development and organisational strengthening across portfolio companies.
• Encourage the transfer of best practices throughout the portfolio.
• Lead performance improvement efforts and operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote strong risk management and compliance in highly regulated environments.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished executive with a proven history of leadership in life sciences and related healthcare sectors.

Key Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, diagnostics, healthcare services, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead complex international businesses and/or multi-company portfolios.
• Prior exposure to boards, investors, private equity, family offices, holding companies, or investment groups.
• Strong commercial and strategic judgement with a track record of growing enterprise value.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, business transformation, international expansion, and scaling organisations.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder management, influence, and communication.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple countries, cultures, and operating models.
• An advanced degree in a scientific, medical, business, or technical field is preferred; an MBA or similar postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with sound commercial judgement.
• Credible and persuasive at board and executive level.
• Collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Entrepreneurial approach balanced with strong operational discipline.
• Focused on results and motivated by innovation and business growth.
• International perspective and readiness to travel extensively as needed.

Additional Information

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The role has an international remit and is expected to involve extensive travel as required.