Head of Vaccine Research and Development Project Management

About the role

Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you'll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for Vaccines R&D project management by establishing best-in-class standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio
• Drive portfolio execution by overseeing end-to-end delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines, monitoring pipeline health, and ensuring timely escalation and corrective action
• Lead risk management and compliance across all New Vaccine projects, ensuring proactive risk identification, robust lessons learned processes, and readiness for internal audits
• Enable effective governance through transparent Stage Gate processes, acting as TARC Secretary and key liaison between Vaccine R&D and Corporate Portfolio Management
• Inspire and develop talent by leading a global team of 15+ project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and digital innovation
• Oversee financial and resource planning, providing strategic input to resources and cost forecasts as well as ensuring alignment across R&D, Franchise, and Manufacturing & Supply

Requirements

• Education: MS and 12+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management OR PhD and 8+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management
• Advanced degree in Project Management
• Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent
• Previous experience of pharmaceutical R&D project and/or portfolio management, including management responsibilities and cross-functional governance contributions

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the end-to-end vaccine/pharma development value chain (Research, Clinical, Industrialization, Registration, Launch)
• Proven leadership in complex, global, matrixed environments
• Expertise in PM methodologies: PMBOK, Hybrid, Agile
• Proven expertise in R&D Risk Management
• Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts
• Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout

Skills & Abilities

• Strategic & Tactical Thinking: Translates strategy into execution frameworks
• People Leadership: Mobilizes global teams and inspires action
• Influence & Stakeholder Management: Communicates effectively at operational and executive levels
• Change Management: Guides teams through transformation with confidence
• Decision-Making & Prioritization: Acts with clarity under pressure
• Coaching & Development: Builds capability through structured support
• Cross-Functional Agility: Operates effectively in multicultural, worldwide matrix environments
• Digital/AI Mindset: Anticipates and drives innovation in project management

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs, and at least 14 weeks gender-neutral parental leave
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally inclusive workforce

Pay

Compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience.

Schedule

Full-time position