Program Team Leader (Senior Director)

Program Team Leader (Sr. Director)

The Program Team Leader (Sr. Director) is responsible for program strategy and achievement of development milestones from pre-IND/First-in-Human through clinical development and commercialization. This leader provides vision, scientific leadership, and strategic direction for a multidisciplinary Program Team, ensuring seamless progression of assets across early, mid, and late-stage development. The role requires deep expertise in global drug development, clinical execution, risk management, and cross-functional coordination and leadership. The Program Team Leader partners closely with functional heads, the VP, Program Team Leadership (direct manager), and the Chief Medical Officer (through reporting structure) and works with senior governance bodies including R&D Forum and Management Committee to drive key program decisions. This position attracts senior-level talent experienced in clinical development environments who can lead complex programs, influence across the organization, and deliver high-quality outcomes aligned with corporate strategy. This position is based out of our San Diego, CA, HQ campus full-time (relocation support provided).

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

Program Strategy & Leadership

• Provides vision and leadership for a multidisciplinary Program Team; accountable for overall team performance, program outcomes, and delivery of high-quality data packages to enable regulatory interactions and development milestones.
• Sets and drives global program strategy through development and execution of a comprehensive global Product Development Plan (gPDP) covering clinical, nonclinical, CMC, regulatory, and commercial considerations.
• Partners proactively with functional leaders to ensure appropriate resourcing, budgeting, scientific rigor, and operational execution to achieve program goals.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and strategic thinking, enabling teams to meet or exceed milestones from early development through commercialization.

Cross-Functional Oversight & Decision-Making

• Provides scientific and strategic direction to the team, including oversight of clinical strategy, study execution, data interpretation, and regulatory planning.
• Focuses team on high-impact activities, ensuring clear prioritization, timely decision-making, and effective issue escalation.
• Acts as the final decision-maker at the Program Team level, using sound judgment to resolve cross-functional challenges and quickly identify escalation pathways.
• Utilizes deep understanding of global drug development, clinical operations, and regulatory requirements to influence and guide strategic direction.
• Drives strategic discussions and recommendations with R&D Forum and Management Committee to secure alignment and approvals for major program decisions.

Program Execution & Risk Management

• Ensures creation and maintenance of integrated project plans, including timelines, budgets, risk registers, and scenario plans to support optimal program execution.
• Identifies, assesses, and mitigates program risks, ensuring contingency plans are in place and communicated effectively across stakeholders.
• Oversees development of clinical and regulatory strategies (including IND/CTA submissions, study design, NDA/MAA planning), ensuring strategic alignment and execution quality.

Leadership, Collaboration & Communication

• Builds strong relationships with senior leaders, external partners, and internal stakeholders to optimize program outcomes.
• Leads Program Team meetings, ensuring disciplined cross-functional operations, transparent communication, and effective documentation of decisions and actions.
• Serves as a visible and influential leader across the organization, acting as a trusted advisor and champion for program needs.
• Mentors and develops team members and may provide coaching support to Program Managers aligned to the program.

Organizational Contribution

• Contributes to organizational learning by identifying and implementing best practices, process improvements, and innovative program management approaches.
• Represents the program at internal governance forums and external interactions as needed.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

Typical Experience or Education:

• BS/BA degree in a life science AND 15+ years of multi-disciplinary experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. Experience with both early and late phase pharmaceutical project management including IND/CTA, NDA/MAA submissions. Successful track record of managing complex cross-functional programs including knowledge of drug development process and inter-dependencies of key functions to include research, pharmaceutical development, non-clinical, clinical PK, metabolism, clinical research and manufacturing. Experience with drug development outside the US is desirable. OR
• Master's degree preferred AND 13+ years of similar experience noted

Common Knowledge & Skills:

• Acts as a "trusted advisor" across the company and may be recognized as an external expert
• Provides strategy, vision and direction regarding issues that may have company-wide impact
• Requires in-depth knowledge of the functional area, business strategies, and the company's goals
• Possesses industry-leading knowledge
• Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels across the organization
• Ability to drive consensus and decision-making
• Strong leadership, coaching, employee development skills
• Ability to influence others with or without authority at all levels of the organization
• Proactive and innovative, with excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a cross functional team and matrix environment

Job Specific Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Excellent team member with a strong willingness and ability to work across projects at different stages of development in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Recognized as an internal thought leader with extensive technical and business expertise within program management and drug development
• In-depth understanding of early and late-phase pharmaceutical project management, including IND/CTA and NDA/MAA submissions
• Advanced knowledge of the drug development process and inter-dependencies of key functions such as research, pharmaceutical development, non-clinical, clinical PK, metabolism, clinical research, manufacturing, commercial and medical affairs

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $218,700.00-$298,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.