Vice President, Program and Portfolio Management

IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, structural biology, and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first-in-class targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease.

About the role

IDEAYA is seeking a Vice President, Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) who will lead and is accountable for both Medical Writing and the Program Management departments at IDEAYA. This department leader provides strategic direction and operational oversight for all documentation, project management excellence, and project execution across IDEAYA’s portfolio in collaboration with cross-functional teams within the broader clinical development function to ensure an integrated approach, governance, regulatory compliance, high quality, and timely delivery of materials for drug development and submissions.

This role combines scientific expertise, leadership, attention to detail, and process management skills to lead the development and execution of integrated project plans for preclinical, clinical, and regulatory programs, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and aligned with corporate objectives. The Vice President, PPM will build and lead a high-performing team, drive cross-functional collaboration, and serve as a key partner to R&D leadership, Clinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, and external partners.

This position is based in South San Francisco and requires onsite presence four days per week per company policy. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the project management strategy for IDEAYA's oncology portfolio, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and therapeutic area priorities.
• Lead portfolio governance, including risk assessment, critical path management, and resource allocation across multiple programs.
• Serve as a key member of the R&D leadership team, influencing pipeline prioritization, investment decisions, and go/no-go recommendations.
• Champion operational excellence and continuous improvement across project delivery, leveraging best practices from biotech and pharma.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of oncology programs from preclinical through regulatory approval and commercialization.
• Develop and maintain cross-functional integrated project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource plans, risk mitigation strategies, and quality oversight.
• Ensure timely achievement of program milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and resolving issues that could impact timelines or budgets.
• Lead resolution of escalated delivery issues and ensure robust risk management across the portfolio.
• Standardize and implement project management tools, methodologies, and templates to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of project managers and coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Develop scalable staffing models and succession plans to support portfolio growth and evolving business needs.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and career development for direct and indirect reports.
• Partner closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, CMC, Biostatistics, Data Management, Medical Affairs, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Facilitate effective communication and decision-making across project teams and functional leaders.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external partners, including CROs, CDMOs, and academic collaborators, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Oversee project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met through regular review of costs, resources, and vendor spending.
• Work with Finance and Business Development to support proposal development, pricing strategies, and budget forecasting for new opportunities.
• Serve as executive sponsor for key collaborations and partnerships, building strategic relationships with external stakeholders.
• Lead governance meetings with partners and provide senior-level program updates to the executive team and Board of Directors.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MS) in life sciences, oncology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 12–15 years in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with at least 8–10 years in project management leadership roles, including direct oversight of oncology clinical development programs.
• Proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams through IND submissions, pivotal trial execution, and/or NDA/BLA filings.
• Expertise in oncology drug development, clinical trial design, regulatory pathways (FDA, EMA), and ICH/GCP guidelines.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and resource optimization.
• Demonstrated leadership in building and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, matrix environment.
• Experience with ADCs, immuno-oncology, or targeted therapies.
• Prior experience in a small-to-mid-sized biotech or pharma with portfolio complexity and limited resources.
• Experience managing both internal programs and external CRO/vendor partnerships.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Veeva, and/or equivalent) and data systems (EDC, CTMS).

Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to balance short-term execution with long-term portfolio planning.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to distill complex project status into clear executive summaries.
• Proactive problem-solving and ability to anticipate risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents).
• 401k retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Wellness programs.
• Eligibility for merit-based salary increases, company discretionary short-term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval).

Pay

The expected salary range for the role of Vice President, Program and Portfolio Management is $308,000 - $380,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, expertise in disease areas, industry tenure, educational background, and performance during the interview process.

Schedule

This position requires onsite presence in South San Francisco four days per week. Work-from-home flexibility is available for the remaining day.

All employees working in the Company’s facilities must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons, and/or as otherwise required by applicable law.