Director, Product Development (Biologics Drug Product)

Key Responsibilities:

• Implements and communicates the strategic and technical direction for the product/project team.
• Identifies customer needs for specific projects and programs and manages their development and execution at internal and external sites.
• Works closely with corporate development to develop overall launch plan for new products.
• Prepares strategic pre-launch and pre-marketing plans and provides input for the development of long- and short-term marketing strategies.
• Identifies any issues that may delay product or project and recommends appropriate action to be taken.
• Facilitates and manages team meetings both internal and external and allocates resources appropriately.
• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
• Works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business.  Identifies and evaluates fundamental issues for major functional areas through assessment of intangible variables.
• Interacts internally and externally with executive level management requiring negotiation of extremely difficult matters to influence policymaking bodies.
• Participates in corporate development of methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people.
• Directs execution of the drug product project plan, working with and ensuring appropriate and effective input and assistance from, other functional areas.  These may include groups such as, Program Management, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Quality, Pharmaceutical Development and Clinical Operations.
• Develops long range resource budgets based on project/program plans. Has direct discretionary responsibility for completion of all issues associated with a particular project or program.
• Identifies and drives continuous improvement projects. Uses innovation to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.
• Has regular interaction with corporate partners and outside vendors and/or contract manufacturers.

Requirements:   

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is required. An advanced degree is highly desired. Equivalent experience may be accepted.  A minimum of 13 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or other technology-based product research, development or manufacturing industry is required.  A minimum of 10 years previous management experience with senior scientific or technical staff is required.

• Must have a proven track record of managing and advancing both groups and projects in a technology-based industry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Project management skills are required. Requires the ability to change the thinking of or gain acceptance of others in sensitive situations.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work with senior management. A proven ability to develop and manage to a budget is a must.
• Must be goal-oriented, quality-conscientious, and customer-focused. Good laboratory compliance and safety practices are a must.
• Demonstrated ability to develop successful relationships with and influence customers, both internal and external.
• Understands how to set expectations and negotiate proper milestones to track progress. Must have strong negotiating and influencing skills.
• A strong track record of leading multidisciplinary project/program teams through successful milestones is required.
• Must demonstrate collaborative behavior by soliciting opinions, but is also willing to make key decisions and is effective in getting the team behind the decisions.
• Experience in both small and large companies would be advantageous.

Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees must be able to wear a respiratory protection (filtering facepiece, 1/2 face, full-face, or powered air purifying respirator, supplied air, or self contained breathing apparatus) for certain tasks essential to the job function. Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function.

Nektar Therapeutics (Nektar) currently anticipates the base salary for the Director, Product Development position in our San Francisco office could range from $195,000 to $281,000 and will depend, in part, on the successful candidate’s qualifications for the role, including education and experience.  This position will also be eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan (depending, in part, on company and individual performance and at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis). The compensation described above is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described based on market survey data. 

Qualifying employees are eligible to participate in benefit programs such as:

• Health Insurance (Medical / Dental / Vision)
• Disability, Life & Long-Term Care Insurance
• Holiday Pay
• Paid-Time Off (PTO) 
• 401(k) Plan Match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Wellness Programs
• Parental Leave Benefits (in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans).  

For general information on company benefits, please go to https://www.nektar.com/careers .