Head of Global Animal Welfare Risk Management

Role DescriptionThe Head of Global Animal Welfare Risk Management is accountable for the operational and risk-management pillars of the Animal Welfare function: training and competency systems, cross-site program harmonization, third—party due diligence, and emerging risk monitoring. This role is the central escalation point for animal welfare risk – defining what risk signals the system must capture and the escalation criteria that govern response. This leader partners with research teams, veterinary staff, IACUCs, and senior leadership across the company to ensure risks are systematically identified, assessed, mitigated, and communicated, while building and sustaining the infrastructure and harmonized site-level practices that enable consistent, high-quality animal care globally.Key ResponsibilitiesTraining & Competency Program ManagementDesign, implement, and oversee global AW training curricula and competency assessment frameworks, ensuring   personnel meet institutional and regulatory requirements.  Establish metrics and audit mechanisms to evaluate training effectiveness and drive continuous program improvement.Cross-Site Program Harmonization & Continuous ImprovementLead harmonization of animal welfare practices, SOPs, and internal policies across all global sites to ensure operational consistency. Translate organizational AW standards into site-level implementation plans, adapting for local operational context while maintaining global consistency.Third-Party Animal Welfare Risk Review, Due Diligence & EscalationDefine and maintain risk thresholds, review cadence, and approval or mitigation requirements governing third-party relationships. Develop audit and assessment frameworks to evaluate third-party compliance; drive corrective action plans where deficiencies are identified. Maintain and report on the status of third-party risk portfolios and escalation activity to relevant stakeholders.Emerging External Risk Monitoring & Leadership ReportingMonitor the external environment for emerging AW-related risks, including regulatory developments, NGO activity, media, and reputational threats.  Partner with internal experts to prepare and present risk summaries, dashboards, and governance updates for senior leadership on a regular cadence.People LeadershipProvide day-to-day supervision, mentorship, and performance management for the Animal Welfare Risk Management Team. Foster a collaborative, detail-oriented team culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.  Provide development opportunities to the team and ensure growth of talent.QualificationEducation: Advanced degree (DVM, Ph.D., M.S., or equivalent) in veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, or a related life science discipline required.Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DACLAM) preferred.IACUC certification (CPIA) or equivalent professional credential strongly preferred.Experience:1...