Associate Director, CMC Program Mgmt

Denali Therapeutics Inc; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

Denali Therapeutics Inc is seeking a leader to organize and manage CMC strategies, deliverables, and timelines for programs, including oversight of CRO/CMO activities from research through NDA/MAA and commercial phases. The role requires coordinating with technical leaders, program directors, and cross-functional teams to integrate CMC deliverables into project timelines.

Qualifications include a BA/BS in a scientific field with 12+ years of biotech/pharmaceutical CMC experience (or Master’s

Qualifications

• Typically requires a BA or BS degree in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• An advanced degree and CMC experience with novel constructs is preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant biotech/pharmaceutical/CMO CMC experience (or Master’s degree with 10+ years).
• Experience managing CMC activities at CROs/CMOs.

Responsibilities

• Organize, manage, and drive CMC strategies, plans, and deliverables for drug candidates across research to NDA/MAA/BLA submissions.
• Manage CRO/CMO vendor selection and act as primary contact for outsourced CMC projects.
• Lead internal CMC project teams and maintain timelines and budgets.
• Proactively identify risks, communicate issues to CMC teams and senior management.
• Provide regular status updates and collaborate with cross-functional teams on drug development strategies.

Job description

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients. We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients. Denali Therapeutics is seeking to recruit a leader who will be responsible for organizing and managing CMC strategies, deliverables, and timelines for Denali’s programs, including oversight of contract manufacturing organizations. As a member of the CMC Program Management group, this position is responsible for ensuring timely and optimal decision making across the CMC portfolio from the research phase through all phases of development, including approval (NDA, BLA, MAA) and commercial, working closely with our technical leaders, Program Directors, and cross-functional project teams to successfully integrate CMC deliverables into the overall project timelines.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:

• Organize, manage, and drive CMC strategies, plans, and deliverables for drug candidates from the research, pre-IND, and first-in-human testing phases to all later phases of development, including pivotal Phase 2/3 studies and NDA/MAA/BLA submissions
• Manage CRO/CMO vendor selection process and serve as a point of contact for CROs and CMOs for outsourced CMC projects as well as early stage biotherapeutics requiring large scale material production
• Facilitate, manage, and lead internal CMC project teams
• Establish and maintain CMC project timelines and budgets and track CMC deliverables and timelines and ensure the CMC strategies and plans are incorporated into the overall project plans
• Proactively outline risks and mitigations and communicate risks and issues to CMC teams, project teams, and senior management
• Provide regular updates to senior management on project status, timelines, risks, and forecasting for future CMC project needs
• Collaborate with technical leaders, Program Directors, and cross-functional project teams to develop and execute on drug development strategies and plans

Qualifications/Skills:

• Typically requires a BA or BS degree in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with 12+ years of relevant biotech/pharmaceutical/CMO CMC experience.(or Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience) An advanced degree and CMC Experience with novel constructs (e.g. bi-specifics, enzyme fusions) is preferred
• Experience managing CMC activities at CROs/CMOs required
• Drug Substance and Drug Product GMP experience required
• Command of project management practices and software
• Thorough understanding of the overall drug development process
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and partnerships with internal team members and collaborators at CROs/CMOs
• Experience in effectively working through high-pressure situations; excellent conflict management skills
• Drive to take ownership and responsibility in ensuring the success of the projects and deliverables
• Results- and detail-oriented

Salary Range: $159,000.00 to $207,000.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits.

Learn more at https://www.denalitherapeutics.com/careers. This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

“Life at Denali” is a living reflection of our values: trust, unity, grit and growth. These are not just words we share—they shape how we show up, collaborate and push boundaries together. From the lab to the community, across functions and milestones, our culture thrives on shared purpose and relentless pursuit.