Director, Biotech Program Strategy & Delivery

ELKA Search Partners; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ELKA Search Partners is seeking a Director of Project Management to provide strategic and operational leadership for a complex drug development program in first-in-human trials. You will partner with the Program Team Leader and drive an integrated development plan across functions to advance the asset.

This leadership role requires extensive biopharmaceutical development experience, the ability to operate with minimal oversight, and to navigate executive dynamics while delivering clear options,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field.
• 10+ years in biotechnology/pharma, leading cross-functional development programs.
• Direct experience co-leading first-in-human/early development programs.
• Experience with large molecule modalities (antibodies, biologics) preferred.
• Broad understanding of end-to-end drug development and cross-functional interdependencies.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the PM lead for the program and partner with the Program Team Leader.
• Provide operational leadership with priorities, decision pathways, governance readiness, and accountability.
• Lead development and maintenance of the cross-functional program strategy and plan.
• Translate program strategy into objectives, deliverables, budgets, resources, owners, and timelines.
• Lead annual and long-range program planning, scenario development, and risk assessment.
• Anticipate program risks and develop mitigation, contingency, and issue resolution plans.
• Synthesize information into decision-ready options for governance and executives.
• Prepare governance materials and articulate tradeoffs and consequences of delay.
• Build operating norms and hold team members accountable for commitments.
• Navigate sensitive team dynamics with tact and credibility; adapt communication as needed.
• Communicate strategy, status, risks, and decisions to diverse audiences.
• Establish fit-for-purpose PM practices to improve transparency and execution.
• Share lessons learned and contribute to cross-organizational initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific/technical field

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Job description

ELKA Search Partners is seeking a Director of Project Management to provide strategic and operational leadership for a complex drug development program in first-in-human trials. You will partner with the Program Team Leader and drive an integrated development plan across functions to advance the asset.

This leadership role requires extensive biopharmaceutical development experience, the ability to operate with minimal oversight, and to navigate executive dynamics while delivering clear options,