Director, Global Program Team Leader Cell Therapy

Overview Director, Global Program Team Leader Cell Therapy

Reporting to the Executive Director of Cell Therapy, the Director GPTL is responsible for providing strategic direction and leading the global drug development with one Cell Therapy asset that have multiple indications in development. The GPTL leads and chairs the Global Project Team (GPT), determining the overall strategy for the asset across indications and creating an integrated development plan for each indication and overseeing the program. The GPTL is the 0ne voice for the GPT up the line (R&D Leadership, Development Steering Committee and Executive Steering Committee) and acts with leadership, proactivity, and partnership with all GPT members, Subteams, functional heads and consultants within and outside R&D. The GPTL fosters productive discussion, ownership, urgency when necessary, risk identification and mitigation, and clarity of purpose and responsibilities. The GPTL has negotiation and persuasion skills to ensure program success and sets program-related goals for Core Team members aligned with Cell Therapy Rare therapeutic and cross-business AstraZeneca strategy. The GPTL also leads alignment and communication of the program with other cell therapy GPTLs across AstraZeneca business units.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Execution Program ownership with final accountability for precise definitions of program goals, plans, decisions and deliverables to meet those goals.

Own the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, risk mitigation strategies, investment priorities, and indication sequencing within the overall regulatory, commercial, clinical and CMC strategy for all indications under development.

Translate program vision into operational and financial plans, ensuring alignment with Alexions rare disease strategy.

Identify and resolve strategic and operational risks and dependencies, leveraging decision-quality frameworks.

Drive scenario planning, indication prioritization, and lifecycle management strategies to maximize asset value.

Program Leadership Lead a cross-functional Global Program Team (GPT), ensuring strategic alignment across functional area leads (clinical, regulatory, CMC, commercial, medical, market access).

Act as the CEO of the program, driving overall strategy from preclinical development through commercialization.

Stakeholder Engagement Partner closely with senior executives across Alexion and AstraZeneca, including R&D, Commercial, Regulatory, Technical Operations, and Business Development.

Represent the program at governance boards (e.g., Development Review Committee, Portfolio Investment Board), securing endorsements for strategic decisions.

Serve as the primary program ambassador internally and externally, including with investigators, advocacy groups, and partners.

Matrix Team Leadership Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture that embraces Alexions mission and values.

Provide clear direction, accountability, and support to functional area leaders within the GPT.

Mentor and develop talent across the matrix team and contribute to building program leadership capabilities across the organization.

External Innovation and Alliances Collaborate with Business Development and external partners to evaluate and integrate innovative technologies, platforms, or pipeline opportunities.

Actively participate in due diligence and alliance management activities, particularly related to advanced Cell Therapies.

Ensure cross-Business Unit GPT alignment and communication.

You will need to have Cell Therapy development experience with a preference for an advanced life-science degree (MD, PhD or PharmD).

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 seven (7) 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.

Excellent understanding of the interdependencies of the various disciplines (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.

At Alexion, you will find a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and a diverse environment where your contributions are valued. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of rare disease research and make a meaningful difference in patients lives.

Ready to lead and inspire?

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

Date Posted

17-Sept-2025

Closing Date

30-Sept-2025

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.

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