Director, Program Management

Position Overview

Defines the direction for program management process and policy in conjunction with corporate objectives.

Leads the effort for continuous improvement of project operations. Directs the scientific collaborative relationship for commercialization of the organization's products. Responsible for directing projects and maximizing resources through the application of project management best practices. Facilitates information flow between team members, the project leader, senior management and the corporate client. Responsible for establishing and developing cross-functional teams to support research and development process and may identify optimal opportunities for product. Organizes interdepartmental activities ensuring completion of the project on the schedule and within budget constraints. This job contributes to and supports the company's research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business. Identifies and evaluates issues for major functional areas through assessment of intangible variables. Interacts internally and externally with executive level management requiring complex negotiation to influence policymaking. Participates in corporate development of methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people. Has the ultimate responsibility for meeting defined expectations and commitments on a program. Ensures that programs continue to meet expectations and make scientific and business sense. Provides leadership, guidance, development, organization and mentoring of the Project Team and Joint Program Development Committee. Manages the partner relationship, product development plans and program information flow. Provides oversight and technical management of the product development plan. Approves all development work being done on the project, understand the relationship to project objectives, and is able to justify the work to the client. Integrates and coordinates program activities, including coordination between various project functional disciplines and between project activities conducted by with the client. Directs the entire program budget planning process and work plan preparation. Ensures the client understands program risks and provides written approval of the program budget. Responsible for working with team to document program risks, and development of contingency plans to manage those risks. Makes recommendations as to whether program activities should be outsourced for greater resource efficiency. Responsible for development of a high-performance team and effective team members through appropriate team building, mentoring and coaching activities. In conjunction with Business Development, gain understanding of partner company structure, hierarchy, project selection, project priority and politics. Organize monthly project reviews to ensure efficient communication of issues and project data. Negotiates complex contracts/deals with vendors and other external bodies. Participates in work related professional organizations and represents the Company in appropriate professional public forums. May direct other program management staff.

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in a scientific discipline is required. An advanced degree is highly preferred. Equivalent experience may be accepted. Certification in Project Management is preferred. A minimum of 13 years experience in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Products or other related industry is required. A minimum of 10 years management experience is preferred. A minimum 6 years participation in a cross-functional pharmaceutical or medical device product development team is required. A minimum of 4 years participation in an executive steering committee for pharmaceutical or medical device product development may be required. Continuing education in Project Management best practices is required. A thorough understanding of FDA regulatory processes and prior experience with regulatory filings, including regulatory and CMC's is required. Must be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the drug and/or device development process with an understanding of pharmaceutical drug marketing, pharmaco-economics, and pharmaceutical healthcare reimbursement issues and strategies. Must be able to demonstrate a successful track record of delivering projects/programs on schedule and within budget. Must have a demonstrated ability to deal effectively with all functional departments, including pharmaceutical development, regulatory, marketing, business development, quality, operations and finance. A working knowledge of basic financial accounting is required. Good computer skills are required. Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint budgeting tools and Project is required. Must be able to demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving capabilities. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required
Previous experience working with corporate partners or acting as a liaison is required. Must be able to demonstrate strong organizational skills. Participation and leadership in national/international Program Management forums and meetings is preferred. Must have be able to demonstrate success in managing and building strong, professional, high-performing teams.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.