Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs REMS Program

Cytokinetics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 263,880 - 307,860; Full time

Job summary

Cytokinetics in San Francisco seeks a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs. You will be responsible for leading REMS strategy and execution, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations.

Successful candidates will have over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, and excellent skills in communication and regulatory oversight. The position offers a competitive salary range of $263,880 - $307,860 annually.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Strong expertise in REMS operations, strategy, and compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of regulatory environment related to REMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory strategy for REMS and oversee compliance.
• Manage preparation and submission of REMS filings.
• Provide regulatory guidance to teams for compliant execution.

Skills

REMS operations

Regulatory compliance

Oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD)

Job description

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, the Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, REMS Program is responsible for leading regulatory strategy and execution related to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and providing regulatory compliance oversight for REMS.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as regulatory lead and FDA point of contact for all REMS-related interactions, including original REMS submissions, assessments, modifications, and revisions.
• Lead development of REMS strategies that align with benefit–risk profile, labeling, post marketing commitments, and lifecycle plans. Drives cross‑functional alignment and decision‑making.
• Prepare and lead REMS discussions for FDA meetings (Type A/B/C, Advisory Committees, inspections).
• Manage all aspects of preparation and timely submission of REMS filings, REMS assessments, and responses to queries.
• Oversee implementation and evaluation of REMS in alignment with the broader program strategy.
• Monitor evolving FDA REMS guidance and proactively assess regulatory impact.
• Provide regulatory guidance to Commercial, Market Access, and Patient Services to ensure compliant execution.
• Identify gaps that may pose regulatory risks and identify related solutions and mitigation plans.
• Develop and maintain internal regulatory processes, templates, and best practices.

REMS Design & Governance

• Own global oversight of REMS design, including Elements to Assure Safe Use (ETASU), communication plans, implementation systems, and assessment methodologies.
• Act as a key member of the REMS governance committee, leading compliance and assessment/reporting functions and partnering with operations to ensure end‑to‑end program oversight and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure REMS requirements are clearly translated into operational execution plans.

Oversight & Compliance

• Review and approve REMS related documentation, assessments, training materials, and vendor deliverables.
• Oversee REMS metrics, compliance trends, and effectiveness assessments from a regulatory perspective.
• Align with Quality to ensure inspection readiness, audit support, and CAPA management.
• Support regulatory inspections and FDA audits related to REMS.

Management

• May supervise employees, consultants/contractors, and/or interns in Regulatory Affairs.
• Mentors department personnel and optimizes employee performance by developing employees and promoting career growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with strong expertise in REMS operations, strategy and compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a scientific discipline; advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD) is a plus.
• Excellent working knowledge of regulatory requirements and environment applicable to REMS, including an understanding of GXP.
• Direct experience leading or negotiating REMS with FDA strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively across teams, functions and with outside partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and ability to independently drive deliverables to completion.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

Pay Range

In the U.S., the hiring pay range for fully qualified candidates is $263,880 - $307,860 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.