Vice President, Program Leader, Pre-Clinical programs

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders.

At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most.

We are seeking a highly energetic and motivated individual who seeks to lead from the front and drive key programs through strong cross‑functional collaboration to make a lasting impact.

The Vice President, Program Leader, will be at the helm of a high‑priority development program, driving asset‑level cross‑functional strategic alignment and execution with precision and passion. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who knows the ins and outs from drug development through to marketing authorization, and thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate will have a robust scientific background and be able to manage and lead a program, working with and bringing together cross‑functional colleagues with varying levels of seniority. If you're a bold thinker, a natural connector, and a hands‑on driver of results, this is your chance to lead the acceleration of transformative therapies to patients who need them most.

This role is based in our Lexington, MA office and requires employees to be onsite five days per week and will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

• Lead with
  
  Purpose:
  
  Establish, inspire, and champion global program teams and sub‑teams to advance Kiniksa’s innovative product candidates, while fostering a sense of urgency.
• Strategic Execution:
  Collaborate with functional leaders to build and drive integrated development and program plans with clear milestones, critical paths, and cross‑functional dependencies.
• Own the Outcome:
  Proactively identify and manage program risks through scenario planning and mitigation strategies, delivering solutions that keep programs on track with exceptional attention to detail.
• Influence at Every Level: Cultivate strong relationships with senior and functional leaders to align program operations with company objectives, proactively navigating risks and challenges.
• Drive Transparency:
  Work with colleagues to develop and maintain crisp dashboards and reporting tools that communicate program progress across all levels. This role will carry responsibilities of presenting to Executive Leadership, where concise and clear presentations, while understanding the detail, will be required.
• Operational Excellence:
  Facilitate high‑impact team meetings with clear agendas, actionable outcomes, and follow‑through completion.
• Financial Partnership:
  Collaborate with finance and functional leads to shape and refine program budgets and assumptions throughout forecasting cycles.

• You thrive in seeking clarity and moving quickly. You’re a self‑starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who adapts easily and drives results in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• You know how to effectively lead cross‑functional teams to drive alignment, and influence without authority to deliver results.
• You build strong relationships across the organization and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture while executing with precision, bringing an analytical mindset and a deep understanding of biopharma business dynamics.
• You’re a confident communicator—both written and verbal—and you know how to tailor your message to different audiences, from team members to executives.

• Strong foundation in the biopharma industry, with at least 10 years of experience and a proven track record of leadership. A BA/BS…