Director, Discovery Project Management, Cell Therapy Autoimmune

Introduction to Role

Are you ready to co-own the execution of next-generation cell therapy programs and help transform groundbreaking science into meaningful outcomes for patients? As Director, Discovery Project Management, Cell Therapy Autoimmune, you will play a critical role in driving discovery-stage programs focused on autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases.

Working in partnership with Bioscience Leads, you will provide strategic project leadership across a portfolio that spans from pre-Target Selection Investment Decision through preclinical proof of concept and transition into Global Product Teams. Our portfolio includes LVV-based CAR-T, LNP, autologous, and allogeneic cell therapy approaches.

This role operates within a unique partnership model where scientific leadership and project leadership work hand-in-hand to ensure clear decision-making, effective execution, and timely delivery of program objectives. Within a highly collaborative and agile environment, you will help shape how discovery projects are managed while contributing directly to programs advancing toward the clinic.

• Partner closely with Bioscience Leads to drive execution, delivery, and decision-making across discovery-stage programs.
• Co-own program scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and milestones.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment to ensure successful project delivery.
• Challenge assumptions, drive accountability, and proactively address barriers to progress.

• Lead project initiation activities including project charters, RACI development, governance structures, and team operating models.
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans and schedules.
• Identify project risks and opportunities early and coordinate appropriate mitigation activities.

• Lead and facilitate project team meetings and product development reviews.
• Manage project interdependencies, scope adjustments, and escalation pathways.
• Maintain project plans and governance documentation, ensuring alignment with organizational processes.
• Prepare project updates, dashboards, and milestone reporting for leadership teams.

• Leverage AI-enabled solutions to enhance project scheduling, risk analysis, reporting, and decision support.
• Promote responsible and effective use of AI tools across project teams.
• Stay current with emerging technologies that improve project execution and operational efficiency.

• Partner effectively with scientific, technical, and business stakeholders.
• Support governance reviews and investment decision activities.
• Drive clear communication and alignment across global cross-functional teams.

• Lead the successful transition of programs to Global Product Teams and incoming Global Project Managers.
• Ensure readiness of deliverables, data packages, and handover documentation.
• Capture and apply lessons learned to continuously improve project execution practices.
• Coordinate project handovers with regional teams, including partnerships supporting China Discovery and investigator-initiated trial preparations.

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 year's experience.
• Significant project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, drug discovery, or early development environments.
• Strong understanding of autoimmune and immune-mediated disease biology and drug development.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects through key development milestones and investment decisions.
• Experience partnering directly with scientific leaders to drive project execution and delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and…