Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is our human health care (hhc) mission. We’re a growing pharmaceutical company that is breaking through in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of many innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world’s most widely-used treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly‑motivated individuals who want to work in a fast‑paced environment and make a difference. If this is your profile, we want to hear from you. Job Overview The Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead is accountable for the IT project portfolio for Discovery and leading global strategic transformational projects in Discovery R&D IT. In this role, the Lead will partner with Eisai IT and Discovery leaders to deliver strategic projects and establish project governance and strategy, and actively manage the IT portfolio of projects. In this capacity, the Lead will be accountable to ensure the project delivers a business solution for the long‑term growth of Eisai, and aligns to Eisai’s values and hhc mission. This role is hybrid in Cambridge, MA – 3 days onsite per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Discovery IT Portfolio Delivery The Portfolio Leader is accountable for delivering strategic Discovery IT projects on time and on budget, covering all aspects of Project Management—planning, tracking, reporting and quality risk management. Manages one or more IT projects concurrently. Effectively interacts with senior leaders in Discovery to understand business needs and translate those into IT requirements for projects. Oversees discussions with vendors, ensuring their progress and quality delivery to Eisai. Leads development of integrated project plans prepared by work‑stream leaders and vendor project managers. Manages and communicates risks and issues across projects, taking corrective measures when necessary through change, risk and resource management techniques. Partners with IT Security and Procurement to ensure projects adhere to Eisai SOPs. Manages financial health of the project, ensuring funding in partnership with cost‑center managers and budget approvers. Communicates project health, timing and milestones to stakeholders, EIT and discovery leadership. Discovery IT Portfolio Management Accountable for the Discovery IT portfolio, establishing the global Discovery IT Portfolio Management process, which includes demand management, prioritization, resource allocation, budget management and reporting. Coordinates with IT Business Analysts and Project Managers to manage the portfolio across the entire life cycle. Publishes and communicates the Discovery IT portfolio and roadmap to Senior Leaders in Discovery domains and functions. Manages portfolio processes and roadmap for strategic initiatives and operational projects supporting the global R&D Discovery IT mission. Partners with Discovery IT Lead and DHBL Office to ensure effective management of Discovery IT resources and project budgets. Supports the Discovery IT governance process to ensure strategic alignment to business objectives. Manages assessment, measurement and reporting of portfolio risk for effective delivery. Defines and analyzes metrics on project and portfolio performance, generating timely reporting to stakeholders. Discovery IT Portfolio Management Adoption Responsible for adoption of a global Discovery IT Management practice. Collaborates with CIO Office and R&D IT PMs to define IT Project Management methodology. Coaches IT Business Analysts and PMs on best practices of business analysis and project management. Participates in continuous improvement processes to benefit project and portfolio teams and processes. Facilitates the advancement of project management methodologies such as Agile or Scrum‑based processes. Ensures adoption and use of JIRA for day‑to‑day management of the Discovery IT Portfolio. Requirements Bachelor’s degree or Master’s (preferred) in Engineering or Technology Management. Prior experience supporting Drug Discovery. 8+ years of cross‑IT project management experience. Record of successfully planning and driving projects as the sole project management lead. Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to understand problem statements through active listening. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and motivate teams. Excellent time‑management skills with the ability to direct multiple projects simultaneously. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proven record leading cross‑functional project teams to deliver multiple projects on budget, on schedule and exceeding expectations. Highly organized, detail oriented, with strong writing, editing and organizational skills. Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and deliver results as promised. Demonstrated skills to present to large audiences and communicate results to leadership. Good interpersonal skills and a team player. Self‑motivated, initiative‑driven, adept at problem solving, and exhibits tact and diplomacy. Experience with implementation of project management processes. Experience working directly with clients and third‑party vendors. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams. Experience with organizational change is a plus. PMP or Scrum Master certifications are a plus. Eisai Salary Transparency Language The annual base salary range for the Associate Director, Discovery IT Portfolio Lead is $166,800–$218,900. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible to participate in the Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan and the Eisai Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan. Final pay determinations will depend on various factors including but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, and skills. Employees are eligible to participate in company employee benefit programs. Equity and Benefits Employees may be eligible for additional benefits. For further information on company employee benefits programs, visit the Eisai careers compensation and benefits page. EEO Statement Eisai is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting in all job qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities, and Eisai prohibits discrimination against persons because of disability, including disabled veterans. Eisai Inc. participates in E‑Verify. Right To Work and E‑Verify All new hires must comply with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policies, including the E‑Verify program. E‑Verify is an Internet‑based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that verifies employment eligibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr Eisai US