Director, Program Management Process and Standards

Job Overview

The Director, Development Program Operations will have a leadership role in the building and optimization of the Strategic Program Team’s (SPTs) operating model and Development capabilities (processes, tools, services) that contribute to the company’s performance and operational excellence. The team is accountable for generating actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership to drive scale of the operating model, such as team composition, roles/responsibilities, and deliverables.

The role also designs, builds and manages cross‑functional business‑critical initiatives to accelerate portfolio delivery, using robust strategic change execution methods and best practices.

4 days onsite in either Tarrytown, NY or Warren, NJ. The position is not eligible for fully remote work.

• Identify, create and drive strategic initiatives related to the DPM and SPT operating model to directly impact Development portfolio and pipeline.
• Partner with Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) Leadership Team and Development functional areas to monitor and measure implementation impacts and take action when needed.
• Develop, maintain and implement project/program management methodology, including processes, tools, metrics and policies to ensure efficiency, quality and business success.
• Drive consistency and standardization across program strategy execution and ensure compliance with applied execution methodologies and standards.
• Design and implement operating cadence, including running coordination meetings, project updates and overall oversight of projects.
• Work with Development and PPM Leadership to define innovative operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for projects and services delivered, tracking these KPIs across the department and projects to ensure goals are consistently achieved.
• Build strong interdependent partnerships and manage communication effectively with functional area heads in Development and key stakeholders in Research, Commercial and Manufacturing.
• Coach and develop department members, ensuring the organizational strategy delivers the skills, capabilities and processes that enable portfolio delivery are present within the team.

• Significant experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with a strong understanding of drug development activities in the context of line functions and project teams.
• Consulting experience and experience developing a Project Management Office (PMO) is desirable.
• Proven experience in a similar role; understanding of Operational Excellence, Six Sigma/LEAN and business process management preferred.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to innovate and drive framework and change in a matrixed environment amid ambiguity.
• Lead the department with a customer‑first demeanor.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to negotiate, influence and work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal), presenting complex information and insights effectively.
• Experience building and leading high‑performing teams and driving cross‑functional initiatives.
• IT proficiency with MS software and project management tools, analytics and visual reporting applications (e.g., SharePoint, MS Project, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Power
  
  BI).
• Ability to travel (