Program Team Lead

Kennedy Bond; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Bond is supporting a confidential clinical-stage biotech in the search for an experienced Program Leader to take ownership of a clinical-stage small molecule asset. The role is asset leadership, not traditional project management, with cross-functional accountability and influence on development strategy as the program advances through Phase 2 from the Bay Area.

Senior Director is the anticipated sweet spot, with flexibility on level for the right candidate; candidacy requires

Qualifications

• Significant experience within biotech or pharmaceutical drug development.
• Demonstrated cross-functional program or asset leadership.
• Experience contributing to development strategy, not simply managing timelines and execution.
• Strong functional depth within an area such as Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, CMC, Commercial or another drug development discipline.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and influencing without direct authority.
• Able to build credibility and strong relationships across R&D and executive leadership.
• Experience across multiple stages of clinical development strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional program team and take ownership of a clinical-stage small molecule asset.
• Shape development strategy and navigate key development decisions as the program progresses.
• Ensure alignment across functions and provide high-visibility leadership to R&D and executive leadership.
• Operate in the Bay Area and guide the program from Phase 1/2 toward Phase 2 readiness.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Biotech drug development

Development strategy

Influencing without authority

Stakeholder management

Job description

I’m supporting a clinical-stage biotech on a confidential search for an experienced Program Leader to take ownership of a clinical-stage small molecule asset.

This is a genuine asset leadership role, rather than traditional project management.

The successful individual will lead a cross-functional program team, help shape development strategy, navigate key decisions and ensure alignment across the different functions as the program progresses through clinical development.

The profile:

• Significant experience within biotech or pharmaceutical drug development
• Demonstrated cross-functional program or asset leadership
• Experience contributing to development strategy, not simply managing timelines and execution
• Strong functional depth within an area such as Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, CMC, Commercial or another drug development discipline
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and influencing without direct authority
• Able to build credibility and strong relationships across R&D and executive leadership
• Experience across multiple stages of clinical development strongly preferred
• Commercial, New Product Planning or management consulting experience advantageous, but not essential

The opportunity:

• Ownership of a clinical-stage small molecule program progressing into Phase 2
• Significant influence over program strategy and key development decisions
• High visibility across R&D and executive leadership
• Senior Director is the anticipated sweet spot, with flexibility on level for the right individual
• Bay Area based

This is a full-time position and the successful individual will need to be based in the Bay Area. Relocation can be considered for candidates genuinely committed to moving.

The identity of the company will remain confidential during the initial stages of the process.