Company Information

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel) in 2017. Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech is seeking an Executive Director, Pipeline Project Leadership as part of the Research & Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Pipeline Project Leadership at Legend Biotech will create and lead project development teams for cell therapies and related modalities in a robust pipeline aimed at changing the course of medicine. He/she will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the cross-functional product teams, guiding them from development to commercial launch. This role involves setting development and strategic goals, integrating key functions such as non-Clinical, Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, and Commercial into comprehensive plans, and ensuring timely and effective delivery. The position demands strong leadership in product development and team management, particularly in cell therapy and related modalities, within a collaborative, science-based, and patient-focused environment. The Project Leader will be the point of accountability for delivering pipeline projects.

Key Responsibilities

Establish and lead cross-functional project teams for each endorsed project
Lead cross-functional teams in harnessing the strengths of functional area leaders, establish a cohesive integrated development strategy, set clear team goals, and foster a collaborative team dynamic
Implement effective project leadership and project management methodologies to ensure the timely and successful delivery of results.
Identify relevant cross functional dependencies and constraints and work to facilitate timely resolution to achieve the desired outcomes.
Enable effective and rapid decision making with clear risks, mitigations, go/no-go criteria as part of a holistic operational plan to achieve success
Operates with strong financials, company priorities and needs of partners
Lead teams in preparation and execution of comprehensive development plans (e.g product, clinical, regulatory, commercial) and associated documents for each development program ensuring the requirements for all relevant areas are achieved
Mentor and develop future talent from technical functions and create a pipeline for project leaders for early-stage programs
In collaboration with the project manager, lead the creation and adjustment of aggressive timeline strategies with clear communication of underlying assumptions
In collaboration with the project manager, proactively monitor project goals and provide timely communication on progress across all relevant levels of the organization including senior leadership
Function as a single point of accountability for each project, including those with junior project leaders mentored by the successful candidate
Adjust project strategies to changing company priorities and portfolio evolution
In collaboration with the project manager, ensure high quality project execution
Direct the advancement of each project through governance endorsement at each stage-gate review
In collaboration with the project manager, ensure a robust risk register and execution of mitigation strategies
Maintain strong awareness of competitive landscape and adapt project approaches to maintain best/first in class
Collaborate with the project management office to evolve company processes for product development
Establish a collaborative, science-based, agile, innovative, continuous improvement, and patient-focused culture for each project team
Contribute to portfolio vision and prioritization
Function as a single point of accountability for each project, including those with junior project leaders mentored by the successful candidate
Build strong collaborative relationships with functional areas and creates a culture of transparency, unity and engagement
Resolve conflict and proactively identify performance issues detrimental to the team and organization

Requirements

Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) or equivalent with 15 years of industry experience and demonstrated leadership in a project management and/or supervisory role
15+ years of industry experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills
Experience with development of autologous or allogeneic cell therapies and viral vectors, and the overall pharmaceutical development process and road maps
Experience in therapeutic areas such as hematological malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and solid tumors
Strong grasp of science with analytical skills to drive data-based decision making
Demonstrated proficiency in drug development with sufficient awareness of CMC challenges for cell therapies and viral vectors
Robust understanding of regulatory consideration of product development
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, solving complex problems, prioritization, and building teams
Creative, strategic thinking
Composure during challenging times
Strong troubleshooting skills
Language: English. Mandarin is a plus.

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Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.