Senior Director, R&D Global Program Management

This is what you will do:

The Senior Director, Global Program Manager (GPM) is a member of the Global Portfolio and Program Management department (GPPM) supporting the Rare Disease Cell Therapy R&D pipeline.  In this role the candidate is a key strategic partner to the Cell Therapy Global Program Teams, associated leadership, and cross-functional sub-teams. In addition to direct project management responsibilities of assigned projects, the Senior Director, GPM will work closely with the Global Program Team Leads from R&D and Commercial to ensure integrated program plans are aligned across the cell therapy portfolio with prioritization processes and disease area strategy ambitions.

This senior GPM position is responsible for overseeing the project management of programs across the Cell Therapy portfolio, closely collaborating with other cell therapy GPMs and is accountable in the execution and successful delivery of all associated deliverables, goals, and milestones. The Senior Director Global Program Manager Cell Therapy works to ensure that cross-functional teams operate effectively, fostering positive team dynamics and championing Alexion’s operating model.  The Senior Director GPM Cell Therapy will support the Cell Therapy R&D Platform Team Lead and manage the Cell Therapy R&D Operating Model to ensure seamless execution and collaboration between the Alexion Rare Disease Unit and other AstraZeneca business units and functions. This role will not have direct functional management responsibilities.

You will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the planning, execution, and decision-making processes for Global Program Teams across the Cell Therapy portfolio in support of Alexion’s product development and lifecycle management
• Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to advance Alexion’s portfolio of cell therapy development programs in the most efficient and effective way
• Managing key activities and processes in line with the mission and vision set by the Cell Therapy Platform leadership team
• Driving strategic business planning and execution against set goals
• Translating strategies into tangible deliverables for teams to execute and manage
• Resolving complex strategic and operational issues and interactions between programs
• Partnering with other Global Program Managers (GPMs) who are responsible for the execution and operations of other Cellular Therapies Global Program Team (GPTs).
• Partnering with the R&D Portfolio Management Operations team to drive adherence to reporting standards and timelines
• Partnering with Finance to ensure budget optimization for all responsible programs and facilitating discussions and reviews of FTEs / resource needs / through periodic assessments with the heads of functions
• Representing the vision and mission of the Alexion GPPM to the Alexion organization and provide mentorship to junior staff
• Bringing project management leadership and expertise in the assessment and integration of external assets into the Alexion pipeline

You will need to have:

Given the complex, cross-functional, and cross-program nature of development programs; the Cell Therapy Platform GPM will need to execute in these core competencies:

• Executive level presentation skills and polished written and oral communication ability
• Proven leader with an ability to manage multiple complex cross-functional teams and processes in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated experience in most stages of development and lifecycle management (e.g., pre-clinical through post launch)
• Strong analytical and decision-making ability, including ability to synthesize complex and diverse inputs to a problem, and recommend solutions/preferred options
• A high level of problem-solving capability and ability to balance competing priorities and quickly and objectively drive the team towards a path which maximizes value
• Must be well organized and have strong attention to detail with an ability to deal with competing priorities; high level of problem-solving capability and business acumen, ability to balance competing priorities and quickly and objectively drive the team towards a path which maximizes value
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills to operate and motivate a team in a matrix environment at all levels in the organization without authority
• Demonstrated experience using standard program management tools and software including integrated development plans, timelines, risk management, and budget development and monitoring
• Recent experience with direct management of professional staff required
• Master’s degree minimum, with higher level degree preferred, plus a minimum of 15 years’ experience in pharmaceutical drug development and/or commercialization of branded drug products
• Cell Therapy portfolio and or program management experience including CAR-T (autologous and/or allogenic), and other cell-based therapies
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment.  As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; problem solve; engage in complex and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours

We would prefer for you to have:

• 15+ years of experience within one or more functional role(s) in pharmaceutical R&D drug development, biotechnology, or related industry
• Cell Therapy clinical development experience required
• Project Management Institute (PMI) qualifications or similar formal training preferred

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.