Senior Director, Global Program Team Leader

The SD, GPTL is responsible for providing strategic direction and leading the global drug development with one late stage asset that can have multiple indications in development, (or two early assets in different indications). 

 

As the accountable program(s) owner, the GPTL, leads and chairs the Global Project Team (GPT), which determines the overall strategy for the asset/s across indications.   

 

The GPT is responsible for creating an integrated development plan for each indication and overseeing the program. The GPTL is the “one voice” for the GPT up the line (R&D Leadership, Development Steering Committee and Executive Steering Committee). The GPT role is one of leadership, being proactive and interactive, and emphasizing partnership with all GPT members and Project Sub teams, functional heads and consultants both within, and outside R&D. The GPTL should stimulate creative and productive discussion, motivate, ownership and urgency (when necessary) as well as robust discussions of risk identification and mitigation opportunities, and ensure clarity of purpose and responsibilities with the GPT. The GPTL has the negotiation and persuasion skills necessary to ensure the program's success and sets goals for the GDT and specific program-related goals for the Core Team members. 

  

You will be responsible for: 

 

• Program ownership with final accountability for precise definitions of program goals, plans, decisions and deliverables to meet those goals 

• Responsible for developing the overall asset strategy, including indication sequencing and the overall regulatory and CMC strategy to support all the indications under development. 

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the GPTs to ensure precise goal setting and robust development plans for effective and efficient development of the asset overall. 

• Ensures that the GPT, functional subteams and GPT members implement plans and adhere to key development milestones for assigned projects. 

• Contributes to objective setting and appraisal of core team members for program-related activities 

• Keeps senior management informed 

• Ensures high-performance team effectiveness 

  

 

You will need to have 

• Total leadership experience including line/project management, multidisciplinary program management experience, which includes leadership in more than one IND/IMPS, BLA/NDA/MAA, Advisory Committee or other PMDA/EMA/FDA meetings. 

• Minimum of five years of experience in drug development in pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, or biotechnology. 
• Demonstrated experience leading the development of at least one development candidate with adherence to quality, excellence and efficiency. 

• Demonstrated experience leading drug development projects and activities in a matrixed, global organization. 

• A broad understanding of how to communicate and work well with team members and relevant people as well as scientists and external decision-makers worldwide. 

• A thorough understanding of how to influence local and global regulatory, scientific and commercial environments. 

• Ability to assimilate data, recognize key variables and analyze complex situations to substantiate strategic recommendations. 

• Has a realistic expectation of the business, oneself and others. 

• A style which builds alliance within the organization, locally/globally, and/or corporate collaborators. 

• Does not confuse effort for results. 

• Tenacity to weather short-term setbacks for long-term advantages. 

• Broad understanding of the multidisciplinary functions contributing to effective and efficient drug development. 

• Solid understand of CMC, pharmacology, toxicology, PK, clinical requirements to support major regulatory filings – IND/IMPD, BLA/NDA/MAA 

• Excellent understanding of the interdependencies of the various disciplines (e.g., CMC, Pharm/Tox, PK, Clinical, Regulatory, Marketing, Finance) – what needs to be evaluated simultaneously vs. sequentially etc. from a strategic planning/risk management time/event/cost point locally and globally. 

• Has a firm understanding of how to educate/advise/operate with respect to Regulatory Guidances/Internal SOPs/Project best-practice behaviors. 

 

We would prefer for you to have: 

• An advanced life-science degree (MD, PhD or PharmD) is preferable, with a specialty in Endocrinology, Metabolism, Rheumatology, Internal Medicine or Clinical Pharmacology or equivalent experience with global development required. 

• Hands-on experience in developing biological assets in clinical stage. 

• Regulatory exposure to major agencies 

• Excellent written/oral communication skills in English 

• Attention to detail and ability to think strategically 

• Willingness to take on new responsibilities 

• Interest and ability to learn about new therapeutic areas 

• Interest in career progression and ability to take on more senior roles in 1-3 years  

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem-solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours 

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.

We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from 206,993.60 - 310,490.40 USD Annual. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

30-Sept-2026

Closing Date

13-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.