Associate Director, Program Management

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner.

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader for the role of Associate Director, Program Management. In this position, you will shape and execute program strategies in oncology, taking a role in driving cross-functional initiatives and guiding teams through complex development projects. You will partner with Global Program Leads (GPL) and Global Development Teams (GDT) to ensure strategic alignment, operational excellence, and the successful delivery of program objectives.

You will support project timelines, monitor progress, and facilitate effective communication across teams, while proactively identifying and resolving challenges. The ideal candidate will have experience in early clinical stage drug development, a track record of cross-functional leadership, and the ability to deliver results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Support the Global Program Leads in the following:

• Supports cross-functional program teams to develop strategic plans for compounds integrating development, commercial, technical, and financial considerations.

• Supports program team decision-making and management of early-stage compounds to better understand science and establish clinical development plans.

• Apply drug development knowledge and experience to support the efficient and rigorous management of product candidates, as reflected in the design and conduct of studies.

• Support effective and impactful communication related to program strategy to ensure active management of issues, risks, decisions, and opportunities related to all internal and external activities.

• Ensure collaboration across the Program Team for maximum team effectiveness.

• Drive cross-functional initiatives and guide teams through complex projects. Proactively identify and resolve challenges to support successful program execution

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience supporting early clinical stage drug development programs.

• Analytical and creative problem-solving skills to help teams address challenges.

• Ability to recognize priorities, assist in aligning plans, and encourage collaboration across functions.

• Effective relationship building and communication skills to work well with colleagues at all levels.

• General understanding of the drug development process and life cycle management, with exposure to areas such as commercial, medical affairs, clinical research, finance, regulatory, and compliance.

• Solid program management skills and organizational awareness to help connect information and support team effectiveness.

• Skills in collaboration, team building, communication, planning, and problem-solving.

• Minimum 7 years (w/o Masters) or 6 years (with Master’s) of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry

• A minimum of 5 years’ R&D experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience in early clinical stage drug development in oncology preferred.

The base salary range for this role is $159,600 to $199,500. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.

Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience,…