Global Program Head non Oncology

EMD Serono, Inc.; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

EMD Serono, Inc. in Massachusetts is seeking a Global Program Head to guide complex, partnered global programs from vision to delivery. You will lead multidisciplinary teams across clinical development, regulatory, and commercial functions to shape strategy and ensure program success.

The role will require advanced scientific expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate a global matrix, with responsibility for strategy, budget, and external partnerships.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, with preference for MD, PhD, or DVM.
• 7+ years of global drug development experience with leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Broad understanding of research, pre-clinical, process development, manufacturing, clinical, regulatory and marketing.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functionally within a matrix environment and manage launches.

Responsibilities

• Establish a program vision and strategy for one or more global programs.
• Lead Global Program Teams and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee budget decisions and secure regulatory approvals, market access, and program value.
• Represent GPTs in Alliance governance and external meetings.

Skills

Global program development

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Budget management

External partnerships

Matrix leadership

Communication

Education

Doctoral degree (MD/PhD)

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join EMD Serono.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Your Role

In your role as Global Program Head (GPH), you hold final accountability for the overall vision, strategy, execution, and development deliverables of one or more highly complex and/or partnered global programs within a designated disease or clinical area. You will lead one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) consisting of multidisciplinary functional experts focused on clinical development, securing global regulatory approvals, ensuring market access, and optimizing the commercial value of the program(s). Your position involves extensive collaboration with leaders from internal and external development and commercial teams to design and implement a comprehensive strategy. Additionally, you will represent the GPT(s) and the company as a business and scientific leader in Alliance governance and other relevant external meetings.

Key responsibilities include establishing a program vision and strategy, proactively shaping the external environment to defend and improve the company's position, and anticipating internal and external drivers of change to program strategy. You will ensure alignment across global functions and regions, lead collaboration to implement agreed plans, and serve as the primary internal communication contact for assigned program(s). Additionally, you will manage program budget decisions, build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, and provide strong enterprise leadership. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, significant experience in global drug development, and demonstrated success in influencing and interacting cross-functionally in a matrix environment. Strong business acumen, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate uncertainty are essential for this role.

Who You Are

• The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, with a preference for a doctoral-level degree (MD, PhD, or DVM). An MBA or equivalent, combined with significant scientific or medical knowledge.
• You should have a minimum of 7+ years of experience in global drug development, including substantial managerial experience leading multidisciplinary global program teams in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise across various areas of drug development is essential, along with a broad understanding of research, pre-clinical development, process development, manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and marketing processes.
• Experience with global or regional launches, as well as marketed products, is highly valued. Strong knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area is preferred, along with a proven track record of influencing and collaborating cross-functionally within a matrix environment.
• You should be a business-savvy executive with mature leadership capabilities, adept in decision-making, conflict resolution, and influencing others.
• Your entrepreneurial drive will be recognized, and you will have the ability to represent the company effectively and negotiate at all levels, both internally and externally, across key geographies. Outstanding interpersonal skills are critical for constructive interaction with all functions within a global matrix organization, including partnerships with external organizations.
• A strong strategic thinker and enterprise leader, capable of exercising sound judgment in uncertain situations or when faced with incomplete or ambiguous data.
• A strong results orientation and excellent communication and team leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

What we offer

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!