Director, Program Management

The Director, Program Management is a strategic leader responsible for driving cross-functional planning, execution, and governance across one or more drug development programs. Partnering closely with Research, Clinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, Quality, and Executive Leadership, this individual will ensure alignment of program strategy, timelines, resources, risks, and key milestones to advance development programs from early-stage research through late-stage development and lifecycle management.

This role requires a deep understanding of cross-functional biopharmaceutical development, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to influence across a matrixed organization to enable timely, informed decision-making.
Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Execution

- Lead cross-functional development teams and drive execution of integrated cross-functional program plans across all stages of drug development.

- Partner with program and functional leaders to align development strategies with corporate objectives and portfolio priorities.

- Develop and maintain integrated cross-functional development plans, timelines, milestones, assumptions, and critical path analyses.

- Ensure programs progress efficiently, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities.

Governance & Executive Communication

- Facilitate program governance, stage-gate reviews, and executive decision-making processes.

- Develop concise executive-level dashboards, presentations, and recommendations regarding program status, risks, resource needs, and key decisions.

- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leadership on program execution and portfolio considerations.

- Promote accountability, alignment, and effective communication across functions and external partners.

Risk, Resource & Portfolio Management

- Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, scenario analyses, and contingency planning activities.

- Support resource planning, prioritization, and cross-functional capacity discussions.

- Drive informed trade-off decisions that balance timelines, cost, quality, and business objectives.

- Collaborate with Finance and functional leaders on program forecasting and budget planning activities.

Operational Excellence

- Champion best practices, tools, and processes that improve program execution, transparency, and organizational effectiveness.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance cross-functional collaboration and scalability.

- Mentor team members and contribute to the ongoing development of Program Management capabilities across the organization.

- Support strategic initiatives that strengthen and mature the Program Management function.

Qualifications:
Required

- PhD/Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

- 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, including significant experience leading cross-functional drug development programs.

- Demonstrated experience supporting programs across multiple stages of development, from early research through clinical development and lifecycle management.

- Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory processes, and development governance.

- Proven ability to influence, align, and lead diverse cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.

- Exceptional communication, facilitation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

- Experience developing integrated project plans, managing risk, and driving strategic decision-making.

Preferred

- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent).

- Oncology development experience.

- Experience supporting major regulatory milestones, including INDs, CTAs, NDA/BLA submissions, and lifecycle management activities.

- Experience managing alliances, CROs, CDMOs, and external development partners.

- Prior experience within a scientific, clinical, regulatory, technical operations, or CMC function.

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