Director Development Unit Management

The Director Development Unit Operations will work with Head Portfolio Strategy & Operations (HPSO) to drive Development Unit (DU) portfolio strategy and operations and helps to oversee program execution by actively partnering with Global Program Heads (GPHs), Global Program Management, Biomedical Research (BR), Development Line Functions, Strategy & Growth, and Commercial to maximize the portfolio value and deliver as per plan. 

You will drive reporting on portfolio and pipeline progress to internal and external stakeholders (in close collaboration with Investor Relations). Help driving key strategic initiatives within the DU and beyond. Supports creation of strategic and competitive insights in close collaboration with Global Program Teams (GPTs) and key strategic functions across the enterprise as relevant for the DU.

Your responsibilities will include;

• Contributes to DU portfolio & strategy related activities and requests regarding DU pipeline progress with internal focus (e.g., IMB prioritization, early portfolio progress, executive reporting, tollgates) as well as external focus (e.g. MNM, R&D Day and Investor Relations etc.), and partnering closely with HPSO, GPHs, Global Program Teams (GPTs), BR, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Communication, Investor Relations.
• Leads operations of Development Leadership Team (DULT) incl. meeting agenda, logistics, minutes to facilitate portfolio related decision making; provides meeting preparation guidance for GPTs.
• Provides guidance to GPTs regarding project governance processes.
• Designs, implements and maintains business processes to enable product portfolio prioritization, resource allocation and portfolio risk management.
• Tracks Development Leadership Team and DULT objectives jointly with GPTs and flags risks to DULT
• Reviews portfolio risks for transparency, consistency and flag any gaps, imbalances/overdue risks
• Leads process of transfer of mature assets to In-Market Brands/Global Health Development Units.
• Fosters DU identity and sense of community and collaboration along the RDC continuum by contributing to strategic communication plan creation and execution, e.g. co-organizing Townhall meetings, contributions to newsletters, and proposes / drives / supports other initiatives to foster exchange in the DU and with BR and Commercial partners.
• Ensures exchange with Operations teams of other DUs on best practices, processes and standards
• Leads or contributes to ad-hoc initiatives aiming at improving Development processes and operational performance.
• Deputizes for HPSO as applicable.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s degree or Doctorate in life sciences (or MBA with bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in life science)
• 7+ years pharma industry experience in a multi-disciplinary environment or in a drug development Line Function
• 5+ years people and matrix management is desirable.
• Previous track record of success in working with international large scale and complex multi-/ cross-functional drug development teams.
• Advanced knowledge in drug development (including early and late-stage development across the development spectrum)
• Advanced project management skills with demonstrated success in planning and executing cross-functional projects
• Advanced knowledge of international business practices
• Strength demonstrated in scenario evaluation and contingency planning
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, driving program excellence, engaging functional partners, and partnering with senior leaders e.g., GPHs
• Strong written & verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation and conflict resolutions skills