Associate Director, Global Project Management- Drug Development

Kyowa Kirin is a global specialty pharmaceutical company backed by more than 70 years of breakthrough life science innovation, dedicated to discovering and advancing treatments for diseases in which unmet need is greatest. Based in Japan with worldwide operations, we work across the continuum from drug discovery to commercialization, guided by our commitment to patients and their families.

Our research teams, located in California and around the world, are focused on developing the next generation of antibody, cell, and gene therapies, with particular emphasis on bone and mineral disorders, hemato-oncology, and rare diseases. We accelerate development through collaborations with industry, academia, patients, and healthcare providers, and since 2018 we have introduced four new therapies serving patients with progressive illnesses often in need of new therapeutic alternatives.

Our culture is grounded in our values: Commitment to Life, Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork/Wa, and brought to life through the Kabegoe Principles, which define the behaviors and actions that guide how we work together to deliver meaningful impact for patients.

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and mindful of the countless individuals still waiting for their own breakthroughs. A commitment to making people smile unites our efforts. Learn more at www.kkna.kyowakirin.com.

Summary:

The Associate Director, Global Project Management is responsible for leading cross-functional project management activities for global clinical-stage drug development programs and providing project management support across One Kyowa Kirin. This role partners with cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated project plans, facilitate governance and decision-making, manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. The Associate Director applies established project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to support the successful execution of development programs while fostering collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence across the organization. The role also contributes to the achievement of annual business objectives through cross-functional leadership and enterprise project support.

Essential Functions:

•    Lead cross-functional project management activities for global clinical-stage drug development programs, serving as the project integrator to align strategy, execution, and decision-making across functional areas.
•    Develop, maintain, and execute integrated project plans, including project scope, timelines, milestones, critical path, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with approved governance decisions and development objectives.
•    Drive project execution by proactively identifying, assessing, and managing project risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities; facilitate development and implementation of cross-functional mitigation and contingency plans.
•    Manage project budgets and resource plans by developing integrated budget and FTE forecasts, monitoring performance against approved plans, and recommending changes through established governance and change control processes.
•    Facilitate effective cross-functional communication, governance, and decision-making by coordinating project meetings, maintaining core project documentation, and ensuring timely, transparent reporting of project status, risks, and key decisions.
•    Ensure project teams adhere to established global development processes, governance requirements, and project management standards, while applying appropriate project management methodologies, systems, and tools.
•    Influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment without direct authority, fostering collaboration, accountability, and timely delivery of project objectives.
•    Partner effectively with internal stakeholders across One Kyowa Kirin and with external alliance partners to support integrated program execution and achievement of business objectives.
•    Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Global Project Management function by driving process improvements, standardizing best practices, supporting organizational change initiatives, and sharing lessons learned across programs.
•    Provide coaching and mentorship to project team members and colleagues to strengthen project management capabilities and promote organizational excellence.
•    Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Requirements:

Education
Bachelor's degree in life science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy), engineering, or a related scientific discipline is required. An advanced degree (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., Pharm.D., M.B.A., or equivalent) is preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred. Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher is also preferred.

Experience
•    Minimum of eight (8) years of project management experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related life sciences industry, with progressive responsibility supporting drug development programs.
•    At least five (5) years managing cross-functional drug development projects within a matrix organization, preferably in a global environment.
•    Demonstrated success leading clinical-stage development programs from planning through execution, including governance support and cross-functional integration.
•    Proven ability to manage integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, resource forecasts, and project risks across multiple functional disciplines.
•    Track record of influencing cross-functional teams and driving project execution without direct reporting authority.
•    Collaboration with external partners, contract research organizations (CROs), and strategic alliances is preferred.
•    Participation in process improvement, organizational change initiatives, or implementation of project management best practices is preferred.

Technical Skills
•    Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices, with the ability to independently manage complex, multi-phase drug development programs and produce core project management deliverables.
•    Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management software for developing and managing integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, resource forecasts, risk registers, status reports, and lessons learned. Experience with Planisware is preferred.
•    Working knowledge of the drug development lifecycle, including clinical, nonclinical, CMC, regulatory, and commercialization activities, and the interdependencies across functional disciplines.
•    Demonstrated ability to apply project management tools and techniques to support strategic planning, decision-making, risk management, issue resolution, and governance.
•    Excellent verbal, written, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
•    Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results in a global matrix environment without direct authority.
•    Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, evaluate complex information, and make sound business recommendations.
•    Proficiency in virtual collaboration technologies and meeting facilitation tools to effectively lead global, cross-functional teams across multiple time zones

Working Conditions:

Requires up to 10% of domestic and international travel

The anticipated salary for this position will be $175,000 to $192,500.  The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 401K with company match
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Kyowa Kirin does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Kyowa Kirin Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Kyowa Kirin employees or any other company location; Kyowa Kirin is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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