Global R&D Lead Controller

General Scope

• The Global R&D Lead Controller is a newly established position and will have direct responsibility for planning, budgeting, reporting, analysis and controlling of Gedeon Richter Group (GR) R&D, regulatory, pharmacovigilance (PV) and medical activities and their transversal cost base (representing cca 100 billion HUF).
• GR Group financial success over the last 15 years has been driven by extensive Research and Development in Neuropsychiatry and Women’s Healthcare. GR 2025-2035 strategic ambition is to be a global thought-leader and innovator in some well-defined scientific fields. In Neuropsychiatry, research is underway to develop the next blockbuster molecule, while in Women’s Healthcare GR wants to further build its portfolio of innovative treatments across existing and new therapeutic segments. Hence, ensuring an appropriate level of Controlling support to R&D is of strategic importance.
• For the purposes of this job specification, R&D, regulatory, PV and medical are jointly referred to as “functions” or “activities in scope”.
• As part of Group Controlling, the position will report to the Head of Group Global Functions Controlling and will coordinate 3 Controllers. The position holder will business partner with the Group R&D Director and his leadership team as well as with
• Group Heads of Regulatory, PV and Medical and their leadership teams.

Main Responsibilities

• Performance management – Own and lead all controlling processes (mid- and long-term planning, budgeting, reporting, forecasting, analysis) for R&D, regulatory, PV and medical functions (scope)
• Transversal Cost Reporting – Establish process to budget, optimize and control transversal costs, FTEs and CAPEX for the functions in scope globally
• R&D Pipeline reporting – Track, monitor, budget and report R&D pipeline spend and status on a project basis together with respective milestone payments
• Steering, Guiding and Control of Affiliates – Guide affiliate/country Controlling and Finance personnel across the Group. Control and challenge affiliate’s financial processes, budgeting and reporting with regards to headcounts, costs and CAPEX in scope. Ensure that data quality meets GR expectations
• Standardization across GR Group – Develop and own Group Functional Cost Controlling Manual with regards to controlling R&D spend, regulatory, PV and Medical costs, related FTE and CAPEX. Manage their Controlling standardization agenda across GR Group. Ensure that Global IFRS Chart of Accounts properly reflects the relevant expense categories and is globally adhered to in financial reporting
• Systems – Establish and operate controlling system solutions for the activities in scope that result in a high level of automation and simplification
• SAP S4 Implementation – Oversee concept design and implementation of R&D, regulatory, PV and Medical spend transversal reporting in SAP S4 environment
• New Planning & Reporting Software and Architecture Implementation – Contribute to the concept design and implementation of a new Planning and Reporting software (for R&D pipeline and for functional costs in scope)
• Support to Group Initiatives – Provide support to Group strategic initiatives (e.g. Spectra, etc.) with data, analytics and financial insights
• Drive Efficiencies – Drive functional cost and headcount efficiencies globally for the activities in scope and disseminate best practices
• Business partnering – Partner with Group Heads of Functions in scope, Group CFO, Global Head of Controlling and other key stakeholders to achieve business objectives and influence strategic or operational decisions
• Management Reporting – Prepare and/or support preparation of relevant Committee materials and other analyses for Executive Management
• Leadership – Coordinate a small team to success, including staff recruitment, training, development and motivation. Ensure that it is adequately staffed to support GR 2025-2035 Strategy implementation
• M&A Activities – Support M&A activities and integration of new acquisitions on an as required basis
• Group Controlling Transformation Agenda – As part of the wider Group Controlling Leadership Team, actively support and contribute to GR global Controlling transformation and upgrade

Qualifications &Language Skills

• Masters degree in Economics or Business from a reputable university is required. Further qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or CPA would be a plus
• Fluent written and spoken English and Hungarian is a must

Professional Experience

• Minimum 12 years of progressive professional experience gained in Budgeting, Management Reporting or Financial Controlling roles at large and complex multinational companies (e.g. FMCG, chemicals, pharma, etc.), of which minimum 5 years in managerial positions
• HQ and/or multi-affiliate and multi-country experience is required
• Hands-on experience in managing large businesses’ G&A or functional cost base in an SAP environment
• Experience in SAP implementation and integration of newly acquired or greenfield production sites is an advantage
• Prior work experience in R&D budgeting, accounting and financial management in a life sciences company is a definite plus

Main Contacts
The position holder is the Finance Business Partner to Group R&D Director and his leadership team, the GR Heads of Regulatory, PV and Medical and their respective leadership teams, and has regular interactions with the Global Head of Controlling as well as with Affiliate R&D, regulatory, PV, Medical and Finance personnel. Other key contacts will be members of Group Controlling, Group Accounting and select Group Corporate Services personnel.

Required capabilities and skills

• Hands-on experience in developing and managing controlling or performance management systems for functional costs, CAPEX and headcount
• Thorough understanding of IFRS, HAS as well as consolidation, cost allocation and management reporting principles
• Highly analytical mindset and advanced problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead and drive change in a complex international environment
• Achievement oriented with a “can do” attitude, high level of energy
• Proficiency in financial systems and budgeting/reporting tools
• Business acumen
• At ease with navigating and influencing in a multinational environment
• Advanced presentation preparation skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex issues in simplistic terms
• Managerial qualities, able to manage, coach and motivate direct reports
• Collaborative style
• Integrity

What we offer

• Competitive Compensation: In addition to your base salary, enjoy a generous benefits package including cafeteria allowance, pension fund contribution, life and accident insurance, and employee stock options.
• Health & Well-being: We support your well-being with comprehensive healthcare programs, access to in-house medical services, and private health insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from home two days a week.
• Family Support: Take advantage of company-run holiday resorts, free sports facilities (including pool, gym, and courts), school-start support, and an in-house kindergarten.
• Continuous Learning: Advance your skills with ongoing professional development and training programs.