Head, Pharmaceutical Product Innovation (Sr. Director)
About the role
Astellas is a global life sciences company dedicated to transforming innovative science into value for patients. We develop transformative therapies in areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. Our mission is to turn innovative science into value for patients.
Responsibilities
Establish and lead a focused Product Innovation capability to identify and advance high-value innovation opportunities across the pipeline and on-market portfolio.
Drive a strategic and commercially grounded approach to product innovation centered on improving how therapies fit into the day-to-day realities of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Lead the co-creation of the long-term operating model, governance approach, and cross-functional engagement strategy for Product Innovation within the organization.
Lead portfolio-level identification and prioritization of product innovation opportunities spanning delivery systems, formulation, dosing strategy, route and method of administration, device strategy, treatment setting/site-of-care optimization, administration workflow simplification, and evaluate opportunities across internally developed and externally acquired assets.
Evaluate innovation opportunities using structured frameworks balancing desirability, feasibility, viability, operational complexity, strategic fit, and financial impact.
Convene and lead matrixed teams of SMEs across Pharmaceutical Development, CMC, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Commercial, Market Access, Manufacturing, Device Engineering, Quality, Business Development, and external partners to advance prioritized opportunities from early concept generation through business case development, governance review, and integration into product development strategy and QTPP planning.
Translate patient journey insights into actionable product innovation and lifecycle strategy recommendations, ensuring patient and provider realities are incorporated early into product design and development considerations.
Lead the development of robust cross-functional business cases quantifying clinical, operational, commercial, reimbursement, and financial implications of product innovation opportunities.
Present strategic recommendations and investment considerations to senior leadership and governance bodies.
Partner with Asset Team leadership and senior stakeholders to secure sponsorship, resources, and organizational alignment to deliver prioritized innovation initiatives.
Maintain executive-level visibility into innovation priorities, risks, trade-offs, and implementation considerations.
Drive a focused portfolio of high-value innovation programs rather than a broad pipeline of loosely owned concepts.
Qualifications
PhD with 5 years of experience, MSc with 10+ years, or BS/BA with 15+ years of experience across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and/or digital health industries with demonstrated progression in strategic leadership responsibilities.
Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional initiatives spanning technical, commercial, operational, and regulatory functions.
Experience developing and advancing innovative product, delivery, device, service, or patient-centered healthcare solutions.
Proven ability to lead through influence within highly matrixed and agile organizations and align diverse stakeholders around shared strategic objectives.
Experience developing executive-level business cases, strategic recommendations, and portfolio prioritization frameworks.
Proficiency of pharmaceutical product development, commercialization strategy, lifecycle management, and healthcare market dynamics.
Experience engaging with or supporting functions including Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, CMC, Pharmaceutical Development, Manufacturing, Market Access, and/or Business Development.
Enterprise mindset with strong strategic agility and ability to navigate ambiguity.
Exceptional communication and executive stakeholder engagement skills.
Strong analytical, structured problem-solving, and prioritization capabilities.
Proven ability to build momentum around emerging opportunities and drive concepts toward operational execution.
Overseas travel may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with patient journey mapping, human-centered design, and/or design-thinking methodologies in healthcare or pharmaceutical settings.
Experience supporting lifecycle strategy, delivery/device innovation, or administration model optimization initiatives.
Experience with combination products, digital health technologies, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), or connected care solutions is a plus.
MBA or advanced degree in business, life sciences, engineering, or related field preferred.
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in Northbrook, IL. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
What awaits you at Astellas?
Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Innovation
Integrity
Impact
We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency.
We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.
Salary Range
$170,450 - $243,500 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Company paid life insurance
Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
Referral bonus program