Director – Early Stage Program Development

Overview

• Lead strategic program management for early-stage initiatives in a dynamic biopharmaceutical environment, driving innovation and scientific advancement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research, translational science, and development strategies for impactful outcomes.
• Ensure integrated planning and execution, maintaining alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Support scientific program progression through effective risk management and proactive issue resolution.
• Contribute to scenario planning, governance materials, and strategic communications for organizational leadership.
• Enhance program management processes to support complex, science-driven initiatives and foster innovation.
• Provide leadership in matrixed environments, encouraging collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and on-site engagement for optimal productivity.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop and execute cross-functional scientific program plans, emphasizing research strategy and translational integration.
• Facilitate alignment of discovery, preclinical, translational, and clinical insights into cohesive strategies.
• Identify and address gaps and interdependencies across research and development functions.
• Ensure scientific priorities align with broader development, regulatory, and corporate objectives.
• Track progress against milestones, manage risks, and escalate issues as needed to ensure program success.
• Lead core and sub-team meetings, translating scientific strategies into actionable plans.
• Support development and maintenance of timelines, budgets, and planning tools for efficient program execution.
• Contribute to lifecycle strategy and regulatory submission planning, ensuring compliance and readiness.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline; PhD preferred for advanced expertise.
• 12+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, including program management and drug development.
• Hands-on experience in research, translational science, or preclinical development is essential.
• Expertise in neuroscience, CNS, or translational medicine is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Project, MS Excel; familiarity with Planview and SmartSheet is advantageous.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to manage time effectively in dynamic settings.
• Experience transitioning programs from early/mid-stage to later-stage development successfully.
• Strong organizational instincts and ability to operate effectively in matrixed environments.