Director, Portfolio Development Operations Lead

About the role

The Director, Portfolio Development Operations Lead will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the SVP, Portfolio Development, shaping functional priorities, driving strategic planning, and ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Portfolio Development, this role leads the operational rhythm of the PD organization, enabling effective governance, disciplined execution, and high-performing leadership team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the SVP, PD, shaping functional priorities, identifying organizational risks, and ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Oversee the rhythm of business, including leadership team operations and governance processes (e.g., PRISM, IDC), ensuring structured preparation, effective decision-making, and disciplined follow-through on actions.
• Drive continuous improvement across PD through data-driven insights, standardized processes, and operational rigor to enhance efficiency, execution, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead and optimize the PD Leadership Team operating model, including agenda setting, prioritization of critical topics, and tracking of key actions and decisions.
• Provide clear, timely reporting on progress against strategic priorities and performance metrics to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Act as a central liaison between the SVP, PD, PD LT, and broader R&D and enterprise leadership, ensuring clear, concise, and timely communication of priorities, decisions, and risks.
• Lead development of executive communications, translating complex scientific and operational data into compelling, decision-ready materials, presentations, and updates.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration across PD (Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Therapeutic Areas) and with enterprise partners (Regulatory, Commercial, POE, Business Development).
• Maintain an integrated view of PD activities through a master calendar of meetings, milestones, and key deliverables, ensuring coordination with broader R&D and Commercial priorities.
• Collaborate with POE, Finance, and PD functions to optimize resource allocation across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and enterprise objectives.
• Apply structured project management and change management methodologies to drive transformation initiatives, governance or process alignment across PD, enhance team performance, and strengthen organizational cohesion and culture.

Qualifications

• A scientific degree paired with an MBA is preferred.
• A solid understanding of the drug discovery and development pipeline is essential.
• 8+ years of cross-functional experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or top-tier management consulting.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, manage, and motivate others in a complex, multi-functional matrix environment.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate strategic priorities into operational outcomes.
• Proven experience managing complex programs or projects in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Trusted advisor to senior leaders, with executive presence and strong influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, lead, and execute across diverse teams and initiatives.