Executive Director, Project Management And Strategic Initiatives

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is focused on delivering therapeutic and scientific breakthroughs in areas of critical patient need spanning psychiatry & neurology, oncology, urology, women’s health, rare disease, and cell & gene therapies. The company’s diverse portfolio includes several marketed products and a robust pipeline of early- to late-stage assets. Building on Sumitomo Pharma’s 125-year legacy of innovation, SMPA leverages proprietary in-house technology platforms and advanced analytics capabilities to accelerate discovery, development, and help bring novel therapies to patients sooner. SMPA is a Sumitomo Pharma company. [For more information, visit Sumitomo-pharma.com]
Job Overview
Reporting to the VP, Supply Chain, this leadership role will be part of the Technology & Quality Leadership dotted line reporting to the Chief Technical and Quality Officer.
This role will establish a clear vision and long-range strategic plan for the TOQ Project Management & Strategic Initiatives function. This includes the management of the following areas: 1) Business Operations and cross-functional integrations, 2) CMC Leadership of key assets and programs through product launch, 3) Key external communications (partnerships and parent company) and 4) Technology & Quality Portfolio and Project Management Excellence. The scope of the role/team also includes budget management, new business process development and strategic planning. He/she will provide leadership and vision in leveraging technologies and innovations to solve business challenges, build capability and drive continuous improvement to ensure successful delivery of Technology & Quality’s mission, goals, and strategy. The incumbent will champion the philosophy of “one team” – driving horizontal accountability, communication, and collaboration across Technology & Quality.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
Technology & Quality - Portfolio & Project Management

• Ensures successful delivery of the project portfolio through effective governance and prioritization of activities across TOQ. Analyze portfolio performance and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Collaborating with Sumitomo Pharma, lead the establishment of best practices for project management and strategic planning across Technology & Quality
• Develop and implement robust project and portfolio management methodology, including project governance processes, standard tools, templates, communications, financials, and risk management.

Technology & Quality - Business Operations

• Translate TOQ strategy into deliverables in collaboration with the leadership team. Ensure deliverables can be measured and managed, champion execution excellence.
• Evaluate current processes or tools and recommend improvements.
• Further develop and refine the TOQ Operating Model.
• Oversee strategic face-to-face business meetings with contract manufacturing partners.
• Ensure activities and operations are performed compliantly and within budget.
• Support as needed the Sales & Operations Planning process to ensure coordinated efforts among groups participating in the S&OP process.
• Develops and maintains TOQ Dashboard that includes select KPIs, metrics, statistics to provide visibility to leadership on department operations, projects, and initiatives.
• Perform in-depth, complex analysis to evaluate supply chain and other strategic initiatives.
• Generate business case analysis for supply chain and other functional projects.

CMC Leadership through product launch

• Ensure robust, resilient, high quality supply chains are designed to minimize risks to compliance and supply while balancing reasonable COGS. Responsible for developing and overseeing supply, manufacturing, and control strategies in preparation for global commercialization.
• Oversee CMC leads to ensure robust development of CMC strategy in collaboration with functional subject matter experts. This includes proactive identification and mitigation of risks and ensuring sufficient resourcing. Ensure plans are developed and documented appropriately to operationalize CMC strategy and integrate critical CMC milestones into the cross-functional asset schedule.

Key External Communications

• Collaborate with SMP and associated affiliates/subsidiaries to ensure alignment with global corporate and supply chain strategies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships across SMP and with key global partners.

Candidate should be able to travel, including internationally, for at least 20% of time, depending on business needs.
Key Core Competencies

• Must be systems orientated with demonstrated success on implementing scalable processes.
• Navigate and work collaboratively in a complex and global environment.
• Strong change management skills and concepts. Ability to work, influence, and gain consensus across multiple functions (Commercial, Manufacturing, Quality, Clinical, Finance, etc.).
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work across locations and time zones.
• Outstanding verbal, written and presentation skills necessary to communicate strategy as well as tactical plans.
• Ability to manage 3rd party relationships, providing oversight of vendors and external parties.
• Proven ability to work with a high level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to assess future needs against current realities, formulate winning strategies, articulate, and translate these into effective operational directives / plans.
• Good communication skills, (both written and oral) including presentations to Senior management and external audiences and experts.
• Strong leadership skills that translate to working in a startup environment but can also make the transition to a fast commercial growth phase.
• A commitment to collaborative leadership, management, teamwork, delegation, and the maintenance of a professional culture based on trust and mutual respect.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and strong listening skills.
• Must effectively build the team and systems, coach existing staff and contribute “hands on” to the daily required work.

Education And Experience

• 18+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• Advanced degree in biological sciences, MBA, or other relevant graduate degree

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
The base salary range for this role is $247,300k-$290,991k. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes unlimited paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.
Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.
Compliance :Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.
Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.
Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer
Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
For more information about EEO and the Law, please visit the following pages:
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