Director, Development Program Management

Job Description

Cellectis is seeking a highly motivated Director, Development Program Management. This candidate will leverage extensive knowledge and experience in leading drug development programs. The Director, Development Program Management, is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of Cellectis' clinical stage programs, from lead candidate stage/IND through submission, launch, commercialization and lifecycle in partnership. The successful candidate will have strong drug development, program & portfolio management experience combined with exceptional leadership, communication, both written and oral, influencing and facilitation skills. Most importantly, they will have the ability to work collaboratively across all functions and levels of the organization. The position will report to the Chief Medical Officer with accountability to the Senior Director of Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) for execution on the Program and Portfolio goals as set forth in the Corporate Roadmap.

This is a great opportunity to be involved in all aspects of drug development and transformation of a highly innovative biotech, pioneering the gene editing and immuno-oncology fields.

Position Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Clinical Lead and Program Teams to develop and execute the program strategy, drive strategic & tactical planning, program budget preparation / management as well as prepare accurate program and portfolio updates for management.
• Represents the program at cross-functional meetings composed of representatives of all key departments including Preclinical, Clinical Development, Technical Operations, Regulatory and Quality.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership, direction and support to the program. Independently assesses the needs of the programs and work with the Program/Project Management Team to help guide operational decisions to support the requirements for achieving the portfolio goals.
• Facilitate achievement of strategic goals and monitor ongoing progress of key project/program results against Cellectis' corporate Roadmap, including the identification of potential risks and contingency plans.
• Responsible for crafting a coordinated plan and associated budget for all clinical programs in the portfolio in collaboration with the relevant functional leads/representatives.
• Ensures relevant communication and alignment across departments and corporate sites, together with internal and external subject matter experts.
• Effectively presents information, responds to questions and facilitates communications regarding critical issues and business impacts related to the program, ensuring cross-program alignment.
• Establishes, maintains and enforces best practices, accurate record keeping and implementation/maintenance of knowledge management databases.
• Other duties as assigned by management.
• The position is based in New York, New York USA and requires being in office 4 days each week. Ability to travel up to 15% required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or pharmaceutical science or similar required. Advanced degree (e.g. PhD or PharmD) preferred.
• 10+ years' experience managing cross-functional programs in biotech or pharmaceutical industry; consideration may be given to individuals with combined cross-functional program management and biopharmaceutical drug development experience in functions outside of project leadership / management (e.g. clinical development, regulatory).
• Must have sound knowledge of integrated drug development process in a biopharmaceutical corporation.
• Experience with cell therapy programs, Oncology and/or Hematology therapeutic areas preferred.

Technical Skills and Core Competencies

• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross functional teams to achieve results.
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems, strong workflow and process analysis skills.
• Ability to make high level decisions and work with others as a team.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environment with competing priorities and ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, facilitation and motivational skills developed through leading teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communications and presentation skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or other relevant certification a plus.
• Proficiency in PM Management tools (Microsoft Project or similar) and strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Requirements

Requires the ability to sit or stand at a computer for long stretches of time and type. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets and office equipment. May occasionally lift objects up to ten pounds.