Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is Eisai’s human health care (hhc) mission. We’re a growing pharmaceutical company that is breaking through in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of many innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world's most widely-used treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly-motivated individuals who want to work in a fast-paced environment and make a difference.  If this is your profile, we want to hear from you.

The Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead is accountable for the IT project portfolio for Discovery and leading global strategic transformational projects in Discovery R&D IT.  In this role, the Lead will partner with Eisai IT and Discovery leaders to deliver strategic projects and establish project governance and strategy, and actively manage the IT portfolio of projects. In this capacity, the Lead will be accountable to ensure the project delivers a business solution for the long-term growth of Eisai, and aligns to Eisai’s values and hhc mission.

This role is hybrid in Cambridge, MA - 3 days onsite per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).

Job Description

Essential Functions

Discovery IT Portfolio Delivery

• The Portfolio Leader is accountable for delivering strategic Discovery IT projects on time and on budget. This includes all aspects of Project Management – from planning, tracking, reporting and managing delivery and quality risk. 

• Manages one or more IT projects at the same time

• Effectively interacts with senior leaders in Discovery to understand business needs and translate those into IT requirements for projects

• Oversees discussions with vendors ensuring their progress and quality delivery to Eisai.

• Leads development of integrated project plan prepared by work-stream leaders and vendor project managers.

• Manages and communicates risks and issues of project and projects, taking corrective measures when necessary by applying change, risk and resource management techniques associated with internal and external resources

• Partners with IT Security, Procurement to ensure the project adheres to Eisai SOPs.

• Manages financial health of the project, ensuring project funding in partnership with Cost center managers and budget approvers.

• Participate in effective communication of project health, timing, and milestones to stakeholders, EIT and discovery leadership.  
   

Discovery IT Portfolio Management

• Accountable for the Discovery IT portfolio which includes

• Establishes the global Discovery IT Portfolio Management process, which includes demand management, prioritization, resource allocation, budget management and reporting.

• Coordinates with IT Business Analysts and Project Managers to manage the portfolio for all projects in their individual life cycle.

• Publishes and communicates the Discovery IT Portfolio and roadmap to Senior Leaders in Discovery domains and functions.

• Manage the Discovery IT portfolio processes, and roadmap for Strategic initiatives and operational projects in support of the global R&D Discovery IT mission

• Partners with Discovery IT Lead and DHBL Office to ensure effective management of Discovery IT resources and project budgets.

• Support the Discovery IT governance process to ensure strategic alignment to business objectives

• Manage, the assessment, measurement and reporting of portfolio risk to ensure effective delivery

• Define and analyze metrics on project and portfolio performance, generate and delivery timely reporting to stakeholders

Discovery IT Portfolio Management Adoption

• Responsible for adoption of a global Discovery IT Management practice

• Collaborates with CIO Office, R&D IT PMs to define IT Project Management methodology

• Coaches IT Business Analysts and PMs on best practices of business analysis and project management.

• Participates in the continuous improvement processes to the benefit of project and portfolio people and process

• Facilitates the  advancement of project management methodologies such as Agile or Scrum based processes 

• Ensures the adoption and use of JIRA for the day-to-day management of Discovery IT Portfolio

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s (preferred) degree in Engineering or Technology Management

• Prior experience in supporting Drug Discovery

• 8+ years of cross IT project management experience

• A record of successfully planning and driving projects as the sole project management lead 

• Strong problem solving skills, ability to understand problem statements through active listening

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment and capable of motivating teams 

• Established time management skills with the ability to direct multiple projects simultaneously 

• Strong Communication skills, both verbal and written 

• Proven record to lead cross-functional project teams to efficiently and simultaneously manage and deliver multiple projects on budget, on schedule, and above stakeholder’s expectations. 

• Highly organized, detail oriented, with well-honed writing, editing, and organizational skills 

• Ability to manage stakeholder’s expectations and deliver results as promised

• Demonstrated skills to present to large audiences and communicate results to leadership  

• Good interpersonal skills and a team player 

• Self-motivated and willing to take initiative; adept at problem solving; exhibits tact and diplomacy 

• Experience with the implementation of project management process  

• Experience working directly with clients and third-party vendors 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as Microsoft Teams 

• Experience with organizational change is a plus, but not required 

• PMP/Scrum Master Certifications a plus

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Eisai Salary Transparency Language:

The annual base salary range for the Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead is from :$166,800-$218,900

Under current guidelines, this position is eligible to participate in : Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan & Eisai Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan.

Final pay determinations will depend on various factors including but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, and skills.

Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. For additional information on Company employee benefits programs, visit https://careers.eisai.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Certain other benefits may be available for this position, please discuss any questions with your recruiter.

Eisai is an equal opportunity employer and as such, is committed in policy and in practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.  Similarly, considering the need for reasonable accommodations, Eisai prohibits discrimination against persons because of disability, including disabled veterans.

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