Please note that our offices have recently relocated to Waltham, MA. We follow a flexible, "magnet not mandate" approach to in-office work, encouraging in-person collaboration and onsite engagement while supporting hybrid flexibility based on role and business needs.
Job Summary:The Senior Director, R&D Program Lead will lead the cross-functional development program for ebribafusp alfa (AKB-097), currently in Phase 2, and may assume responsibility for additional early-stage Akebia programs as they advance from research. This individual will set program strategy, align functional plans with corporate and portfolio objectives, and drive execution through key development milestones and decisions. The role requires strong drug-development expertise, strategic judgment, and the ability to lead and influence high-performing teams in a matrix environment.
Essential Functions & Duties:- Lead the cross-functional program team for ebribafusp alfa and other development programs as assigned, establishing clear objectives, priorities, responsibilities, and decision-making processes
- Develop and drive the integrated program strategy, including the target product profile, development plan, key milestones, decision points, and value-creation opportunities
- Translate corporate and portfolio priorities into executable cross-functional integrated development plans, timelines, and budgets
- Integrate scientific, clinical, regulatory, CMC, commercial, operational, and competitive perspectives into program strategy and decision-making
- Ensure program teams and functional subteams deliver high-quality work against agreed objectives, timelines, budgets, and corporate commitments
- Lead scenario planning and proactively identify program risks, dependencies, and trade-offs; develop mitigation and contingency plans and escalate significant issues as appropriate
- Guide the program through critical development milestones, including clinical data readouts, regulatory interactions, indication prioritization, and advancement decisions
- Serve as the primary program representative to R&D, portfolio, and executive governance bodies, presenting program status, strategic options, risks, and recommendations
- Maintain an integrated program plan and appropriate documentation, including milestones, decision logs, risk registers, budgets, and governance records
- Promote accountability, scientific rigor, collaboration, and timely decision-making across program teams; coach and develop team members and direct reports, as applicable
- Perform other program and portfolio leadership responsibilities as assigned
Skills & Experience:- Advanced degree required (i.e., PhD, PharmD, MD) and 10-15+ years of Program Leadership experience in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry.
- Thorough understanding of the Program Lead discipline and drug development at all stages
- Demonstrated ability to lead the development of complex drug development project strategy and deliver on project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience leading and motivating cross-functional teams and managing direct reports
- Outstanding leadership skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills, an innovative approach to problem-solving, and an integrated view of business and scientific issues.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Project and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Base Compensation for this role will depend on a number of factors including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience, and may fall outside of the range shown. Base pay is only one component of the company's total rewards package, all regular employees are also eligible for the corporate bonus program or the incentive compensation program (if applicable), as well as equity. Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, etc.
Targeted Base Salary
$249,811-$308,590 USD
