Director/Senior Director, Development Program Management

We are seeking a Director/Senior Director, Development Program Management to lead and coordinate cross-functional planning of Xenon’s clinical-stage small-molecule drug development programs in both late and early phases with regulatory submissions experience (eg NDAs, MAAs) and life cycle management projects. This role involves close coordination with stakeholders within development (e.g., Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, CMC, Non-Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, QA) and outside of development (e.g., Finance, Commercial, Legal). 

This position reports to the Executive Director, Development Program Management and will be in Vancouver, BC, Canada or Boston, MA, USA. We will consider other jurisdictions for exceptional candidates. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for partnering with functional leaders and key stakeholders to lead the development, implementation and maintenance of high-quality integrated plans for multiple projects or programs addressing program scope, components, schedule, budget, communications, risks, staffing and change management.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and accountability on all aspects of program and proactively monitor timelines, milestones, critical path activities and resource needs for assigned programs and/or projects.
• Support and facilitate resources and financial planning and assessments for programs including working directly with functional leads on assessment of resource timing across programs.
• Proactively identify, articulate, escalate and manage program risks for program delivery through risk mitigation and scenario planning; collaborate with key stakeholders to recommend constructive solutions to the program team and senior management.
• Create team charters and develop and maintain clear, concise and accurate dashboards for monitoring and communicating program progress to the program team and all levels of the organization, including supporting the development of presentations for Senior Management.
• Chair, facilitate and coordinate program and/or project meetings and maintain decisions and action items for tracking to completion.
• Identify cross-functional projects and/or program issues and resolve as applicable and communicate to Exec. Director Development Program Management and cross-functional Team Leads.  Ensure and employ proper escalation and communication methodologies.
• Ensure regular and meaningful program communications, including establishing key metrics and monitoring performance, through dashboards and reports to enable timely information and analyses for senior leaders.  
• Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies.
• Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
• Some international travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of experience in small molecule drug development, including 8+ years of progressive and relevant project/program management experience from early phase clinical development through to registration and approval.
• Strong understanding of the component drug development functions (Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, CMC, clinical pharmacology, Non-Clinical, Regulatory, QA) and industry best practices for drug development.
• University degree in a relevant scientific field. Advanced degree (PhD; MSc plus MBA) strongly desired.
• Experience working in GxP environments and quality and regulatory standards requirements for pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands on functional experience in drug development (e.g., clinical operations, research, CMC) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability and dedication to effectively drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment under tight timelines.
• Proven proactive and collaborative mindset to deliver results and influence without authority.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking with ability to develop solid executable tactical plans with impeccable attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using standard project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) for building Gantt charts and maintaining timelines, and the Microsoft Office suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and shared work environments.
• Strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards.
• Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to interact comfortably with all functions in the organization.
• Project, Program, or Portfolio Management certification is preferred but not required.

The base salary range for this role is $172,600 to $244,500 CAD; we will consider above this range for exceptional candidates. Base salary is determined by a combination of factors including, but not limited to, education and other qualifications, years of relevant experience, and internal equity.