Head of Toxicology Group - Regulatory Affairs

Lead the Toxicology Group at dsm-firmenich

Head of Toxicology Group - Regulatory Affairs

Take on a pivotal role providing strategic and scientific thought leadership of the Toxicology Group within Regulatory Affairs/Science & Research at dsm-firmenich. This position ensures product, environmental, and human safety, drives scientific advancement, delivers exceptional customer engagement, and provides strong support to Science & Research and Business Units on innovation and business continuity. By doing so, you will deliver a clear competitive advantage and contribute to business growth and reputation.

Your key responsibilities:

Strategic leadership:

• Provide toxicology thought leadership and develop/implement the global toxicology strategy in alignment with Science & Research, Business Units, and regulatory objectives.
• Serve as the primary toxicology expert for executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to the success of Regulatory Affairs as a member of its leadership team.

Scientific leadership:

• Lead risk assessment, management, and mitigation strategies for innovation projects and existing products.
• Ensure scientific rigor and regulatory compliance in all safety assessments.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends in scientific developments in toxicology; enhance scientific advancement with publications in peer-reviewed journals, and share knowledge internally and externally.

Regulatory support:

• Responsible for overall safety testing strategies and their compliance with regulatory requirements.

Team & Budget Management:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of toxicologists and safety scientists, ensuring strong scientific expertise and capabilities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the Group Toxicology budget and resources to secure proper allocation according to business unit priorities and needs.

External Engagement:

• Represent the company in key strategic meetings with regulatory authorities, customers, external scientific committees, and registration consortia.
• Strategically build and maintain external and internal scientific networks (e.g., regulatory bodies, institutions, national & international toxicological societies), leveraging external KOLs with specific toxicological expertise and knowledge.
• Develop and manage relationships with customers and other external bodies such as scientific associations and governmental authorities.
• This role requires strong influential and managerial skills in contact with senior leadership and stakeholders in Science & Research, business units, Group Regulatory Affairs Leadership, and Business Partnering.

We offer:

• A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset
• A culture that prioritizes safety and well-being, both physically and mentally
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity
• A firm belief that working together with our stakeholders and suppliers is the key to achieving great things
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.

You bring:

• Extensive experience in a variety of senior roles pertaining to Toxicology, Regulatory, and Compliance, with a global scope, ideally in similar industries whether on sector or customer side. Well-connected in the industry.
• Educational level: at least MS in toxicology or PhD and 15+ years’ experience. Certification as toxicologist (ERT or DABT).
• Exceptional people leadership skills. Inspires, influences, and motivates others to perform, also in a matrix organization and people who do not directly report into the role. Provides and accepts feedback from others.
• Deep business acumen: Can enhance the competitive advantage that Regulatory brings.
• Transformational & progressive leader. Understands and masters change management, drives technology and automation for change. Fast learner, hands-on, driving simplicity and efficiency, politically savvy.
• Determination, especially in a transforming environment. Continuously looks for ways to improve & promote scientific and regulatory innovation and to simplify to gain efficiencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity.
• Strategic thinking: Makes sense of complex data, trends, and dynamics on a continually evolving basis, understands and anticipates potential impact these may have, and uses them to shape the direction of the business.
• Delivering results: Drives for improvement of business results and higher level of performance.
• Influencing collaboratively: Works effectively with peers, partners, and others who are not in the line of command.
• Leading & developing teams: Focuses, aligns, and builds effective groups and develops long-term capabilities of others in the organization, and finds satisfaction in influencing someone’s life or career.

About dsm-firmenich

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.