Program Lead F/H

Innate Pharma S.A. is a global, clinical-stage oncology-focused biotech company dedicated to improving treatment and clinical outcomes for patients through therapeutic antibodies that harness the immune system to fight cancer.

Overall Objectives & Purpose of the role

The Program lead manages one or more development program(s) of a drug candidate by leading (a) multidisciplinary/cross-functional team(s) from relevant expert functions, as part of the company's strategy.

• The Program Lead is responsible for leading the definition and delivery of an integrated* asset strategy throughout the lifecycle maximizing the value of the asset/program(s) or group of programs, consistent with corporate & portfolio strategy [*together with x-functional experts from research, translational, regulatory, clinical, manufacturing, medical affairs, IP, communication, quality (compliance) and commercial].
• The Program Lead is responsible for leading the program and program team to achieve the objectives in accordance with quality standards and within timelines validated with governance.  
• The program lead ensures oversight of the Program budget, while functional heads are accountable for ensuring delivery within budget. 
• Is responsible for ensuring that all activities related to the  program(s) are conducted: 
  • Within the framework of the agreed asset strategy and the overall strategic objectives of the Company,
  • With cross-functional alignment of Research, non-clinical & clinical, Manufacturing & Commercial, IP, communication, quality (compliance) representatives,
  • In compliance with the state-of-the-art and external regulations in force, and good project management practices. 
• At all phases of planning and implementation, the Program Lead ensures appropriate validation by and reporting to governance according to company processes.

Main responsibilities and key tasks

Program strategy, planning and execution

The Program Lead 

• Owns the integrated strategy for the asset.
• Is responsible for defining and delivering the integrated program development plan by coordinating all key functions (science, regulatory, clinical, manufacturing, commercial, communication, IP, quality) related to the asset/program.
• Is responsible for ensuring the validation of integrated development plan by key stakeholders (senior management/stakeholders and external experts/customers).
• Ensures cross-functional engagement / way of working to ensure full team alignment and utilizing every member of the team to execute the program strategy.
• Responsible for the robust assessment of opportunities, risks, in conjunction with the key function leaders, in order to maximize value of the asset/program.
• Responsible to set up backup scenarios, as well as « go/no go decision points » to mitigate risks and to present them to Governance meetings. 
• Drives implementation of the plans whilst managing risks.
• Develops and recommends strategic options to governance.  
• Oversees the program budget and ensure it fits with the strategic needs and agreed roadmap in conjunction with finance and expert functions.
• Responsible for appropriate internal communication to Program team and stakeholders. 
• Contributes to and adopts relevant aspects of the company’s portfolio management process.

Communication

The Program Lead engages in regular, competent and active communication with key stakeholders as a representative of the company both internally and externally (congress, partnering, and negotiation).  

The Program Lead is responsible for defining & implementing Program internal & external communication plans:

• Proposing and conducting communications concerning the results of both scientific and clinical studies in association with the cross-functional team.
• Ensuring consistency across Program messages for external communication.

Documentation 

The Program Lead owns all Program Documents relating to the development of the drug candidate as required by Governance, Quality, Compliance & PMO guidance.
Key program deliverables, developed with cross-functional expert team, include: 

• Integrated cross-functional development strategy, objectives & plan, consistently with Target Product Profiles & key value drivers.
• Status Updates for Management e.g. dashboards, reports, highlights at governance, other.
• Program Risks/opportunities and mitigation plans.
• Go/no-go criteria & scenario plans against all ongoing activities.
• Key Decision Points documentation.

The Program Lead contributes to key functional Project documentation & deliverables as required by governance, Quality, compliance & PMO guidance, such as the Clinical trial documents, IND file, investigator's brochure, Briefing Documents, scientific publications,  scientific collaborations work plans, documentation to support CDMO key decision points, documentation for HA interactions, etc...

Experience and Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree+ or more than 10 years in pharmaceutical industry as a program lead. 
• Proven experience in the field of biologics and oncology/hematology. A thorough knowledge of the pharmaceutical business model, of the value chain, especially in a Health Care environment. 
• Experience of working with research, clinical & non-clinical development or commercial collaborations with alliance partners. 
• Demonstrated Drug Development knowledge with understanding of the cross functional nature of the role including: Research, Translational Sciences, Clinical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Regulatory. 
• Experience of working in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive initiatives, solve issues, pre-empt problems and achieve objectives.

Director level: 

• Minimum 7 years’ pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience including for products in preclinical and early clinical development (Phase 1-2).
• Experience cross-functional drug development and early-stage program management.
• PhD or equivalent degree+ 
• Advanced training in project management or equivalent
• At least 5 years of proven experience in conducting cross-functional projects
• Ability to work in an international environment.
• Ability to present, communicate and develop intelligence networks

Senior Director: 

• Project Management Institute (or equivalent) qualification OR 10 years’ experience in complex cross functional Program or Project Management.
• Minimum 10-15 years’ pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience including for products in early & late clinical development.
• Experience cross-functional drug development and clinical-stage program management. 
• Experience in building partnership.
• Senior Director level:
  • BAC + 8 or equivalent.
  • Business Management Training.
  • At least 8 years of proven experience in cross-project management, or equivalent.
  • Ability to work in an international environment.
  • Ability to present, communicate and develop intelligence networks.
• VP level: 
  • BAC + 8 or equivalent.
  • At least 10 years of proven experience in strategic program management (e.g.: global R & D projects / programs).

Competencies, Skills and Behaviours

Technical Competencies

• Proven track record in working across a matrix organization excels at collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders (and internationally).
• Strong business acumen.  
• Advanced technical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Power Point, Word, etc.).
• Ability to develop intelligence networks.
• A highly articulate communicator with outstanding written and spoken English language skills, French language skills being an advantage. 
• Understanding of the drivers of commercial success and the interplay between all customers, patients, physicians, pathologists/regulators payers etc.

Additional Skills/ Behaviours

• Ability to work effectively and manage stakeholders in a smooth & efficient way.
• Ability to drive delivery and advance complex global programs despite potentially adverse and changing conditions through effective governance and targeted executive escalation in a matrix organizational set up. 
• Demonstrated expert judgment with the ability to quickly identify, analyze, evaluate, escalate and/or resolve problems, which could negatively impact global program implementation and/or financial results. 
• Strong influential leadership behaviours to drive alignment, arbitrage and delivery at all levels.
• Disciplined operating approach.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to communicate motivate with a persuasive, credible presentation style.
• Ability to resolve issues/ conflict in a constructive manner.
• Ability to develop bold ideas and take calculated risks.
• Strong tolerance for ambiguity, agility to adapt to change, confidence to speak-up and challenge appropriately.

NB: This job description is designed to describe a series of main tasks that may be encountered. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and may be modified in consultation with the incumbent to reflect changes in the position or organization.

Innate Pharma believes in equal opportunities and welcomes all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination.

Submit your application at jobs@innate-pharma.com