Senior Program Management Director (Biotechnology)

Exelixis; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 205,000 - 291,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Employee stock purchase program

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

Exelixis is seeking a Senior Program Management Director to lead cross-functional teams across DTR, CMC and clinical development from Discovery through NDA/BLA stages. The role requires building integrated project plans, managing budgets, timelines and risks, and partnering with executives to align program strategy with regulatory and development goals.

The ideal candidate has 12–15+ years in biotech/pharma with leadership in oncology programs and a strong track record in delivering complex

Qualifications

• Extensive understanding of the full drug development process across oncology.
• Experience managing cross-functional biotech/pharma teams (CMC, discovery or development).
• Proven leadership at departmental and cross-functional levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a portfolio of DTR, CMC and Phase 1–3 programs and NDA/BLA filings.
• Develops integrated project plans, timelines and status reports; manages resources and budgets.
• Drives risk management, contingency planning, and governance processes.
• Communicates updates to executives and sets meeting agendas with clear action items.
• Leads initiatives to improve processes and best practices.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic program management

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

MS Office

Education

BS/BA in STEM

MS/MA in STEM

PhD in STEM

Equivalent combination

Tools

Planisware

MS Project

Job description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Program Management Director is a key leadership role with substantial strategic input and demonstrates a mastery of core and technical competencies, navigating myriad of complex and ambiguous therapeutic area scenarios. This position plays a pivotal role in managing development of program strategies ensuring design of a TPP. Serves as a key leader in the Program Management function.

The Senior Program Management Director partners with Team Leaders and cross-functional teams to manage multiple highly complex Discovery and Translational Research (DTR), CMC and Development programs, spanning from Discovery to Phase 1 to 3 development, CMC, NDA/BLA filings and approvals. This position plays a critical role in the development and execution of program strategy and leads the creation and implementation of team processes to enable the timely delivery of program goals and deliverables. Develops and maintains integrated project plans, Gantts/timelines, status reports, strategic development and filing plans in collaboration with team leaders and cross-functional team members. Oversees and manages the operational aspects of ongoing drug development projects to ensure goals and objectives are met. Acts as a strategic thought partner to the Project Leaders and teams in the definition of product development strategy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees multiple highly complex projects or a portfolio of discovery and translational research (DTR), CMC, Phase 1 to 3 clinical development, NDA/BLA filings/approvals and/or post approval programs; leads and ensures alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Develops detailed cross-functional integrated project plans, Gantt charts, status reports in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Ensures timelines accurately capture dependencies for key milestones and critical path. Critically assess project plans to foresee risks and evaluate opportunities for efficiencies impacting success of established TPP. Drives project execution through the development and implementation of high quality, integrated cross-functional project plans, in collaboration with Team Leaders and cross-functional teams. In collaboration with Finance and team leader, keeps track of project resources and budget and schedules appropriate governance approvals.
• Oversees risk management and contingency planning for the team, ensuring proactive identification and resolution of issues; navigates uncertainties with agility and accountability.
• Communicates effectively with executive leadership and governance bodies, providing clear, concise updates and recommendations; sets clear meeting agendas, facilitates meetings, writes clear minutes, assigns action items, follows up on action resolution.
• Leads department-level or cross-functional initiatives to establish best practices or improve processes and ways of working. Proactively identifies gaps in processes, develops proposals and implements solutions to address as needed.
• Maintains strong external awareness of scientific, regulatory and commercial trends to inform and adapt development strategies. Communicates relevant information, highlighting relevance to departmental or cross-functional team.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education

• BS/BA degree in STEM with a minimum of 15 years relevant experience; or,
• MS/MA degree in STEM, biological or pharmaceutical sciences with a minimum of 13 years relevant experience; or,
• PhD in STEM, biological or pharmaceutical sciences with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience; or,
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• 12-15 years of experience managing cross-functional teams in biotech/pharma industry, including CMC, discovery or development. Possesses relevant managerial experience.
• Experience managing small molecules/biologics in cancer immunology and/or oncology fields is preferred.
• Experience working with corporate partners and alliance management or working with business development or alliance management on a deal is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

• Extensive understanding or experience of the full drug development process (oncology is preferred) including discovery, CMC, development and filing. Experience in at least two different functions or phases of development preferred.
• Excellent analytical skills with an ability to summarize and present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communications, presentation, collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills at departmental, organizational and cross-functional levels.
• Shows excellent drive and self-motivation, sets a fast pace for self and teams while maintaining strong relationships.
• Strong organizational skills, highly efficient, strong attention to detail. Able to process significant amount of information within multiple projects simultaneously.
• Models leadership behaviors, articulates and demonstrates a firm commitment to Exelixis' vision and values.
• High proficiency with MS Office Suite, Planisware, MS Project or equivalent project management software.

#LI-JD1

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $204,500 - $290,500 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate's geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors.In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the recruiting process, please email us at: [e-mail].

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Our office is a modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.

DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are 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, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.