Vice President, Global Project Management

At Daiichi Sankyo, we are united by a single purpose, to improve lives around the world through innovative medicines. With a legacy of innovation since 1899, a presence in more than 30 countries, and more than 19,000 employees, we are advancing breakthrough therapies in oncology, cardiovascular disease, rare diseases, and immune disorders. Guided by our 2030 vision to "be an innovative global healthcare company contributing to the sustainable development of society", we are shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for patients, their families, and society.

Job Summary

This role leads the Global Project Management (GPM) function as a Global Leader reporting to the Head of Asset Strategy and Project Management (APM) and is a member of the Asset Strategy and Project Management Leadership Team. The Vice President (VP), GPM, is accountable for leading the global project management team to implement capabilities to support decision-making at global R&D, Daiichi Sankyo and Alliance governance bodies and project teams. The VP GPM will set the vision and strategy for the global function to ensure optimal execution of the Daiichi Sankyo portfolio by implementing project and portfolio management industry best-practices. This position is also responsible for developing and implementing global development processes (GDPs) including identifying organizational process gaps and solutions to help improve or optimize organizational efficiency and decision making. The incumbent is expected to work at the enterprise level and partner with R&D and Daiichi Sankyo Leaders to enhance the performance of GPTs as well as the global organization. This position has direct responsibility for leading and developing the global project management experts who support global drug development teams and strategic initiatives. As the VP GPM, this role is responsible for contributing to strategy-development and maximizing the value of each project through close collaboration / communication with Project Managers s and the Global Team Leaders (globally) and ensuring better and agile decision-making on teams and governance committees to include Alliance Partner committees. Vice President (VP), GPM is also accountable for designing and leading portfolio management processes to maximize the value of the Daiichi Sankyo global pharmaceutical pipeline. The role is accountable to RD top management for monitoring the performance and changes in value of our pharmaceutical portfolio. The individual in this role will embed methodologies designed to enhance team effectiveness, ensure overall development and monitoring of project team goals, create and maintain KPIs and report on portfolio status to Executive Management. The role will also leverage their project management and leadership skills in supporting strategic collaborations with other companies and / or leading divisional or enterprise level internal non-product related initiatives (examples: People Strategy Steering Committee, Diversity and Inclusion, R&D Communications).

Responsibilities

Job Description

Global Project Management

• Represent GPM at senior management meetings. Liaise with Global Function Heads to ensure appropriate and quality project management support. Ensure close collaboration within APM, R&D Function Heads as well as the Business Units and Corporate Functions (such as Global Corporate Strategy) regarding project priority, budget management and resource management for Project Management across projects.
• Establish and continuously improve Project Management standards, methodologies, tools and metrics – introducing automation, analytics and AI where appropriate to enhance efficiency and transparency Ensure best program management practices are instituted including integrated planning, risk identification and strong mitigation action item and decision-making tracking, and use of dashboards, templates and tools.
• Responsible for Trident (PPM Tool) data quality and integrity and communication with the planning and portfolio team of any anticipated or actual changes. Stay informed of new methodologies or technologies that could streamline and optimize communication of project information.
• Manage prioritization conflicts and identify contingencies or opportunities to circumvent potential delays, resource constraints or budget overruns.
  
  

Talent Development

• Responsible for designing, building and retaining a best-in-class GPM team. Including hiring, coaching, and managing project management professionals. Build and maintain a network within Global Project Management .
• Lead functional performance management, including portfolio visibility, capacity optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Non-Project Initiatives

• Provide internal consulting, project management expertise, strategic direction or operational support to business critical, cross-functional, non-project related initiatives or taskforces, including due diligence reviews of potential in-licensing candidates.
  
  

Responsibilities Continued

Qualifications

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required Master's Degree Advanced Degree preferred (i.e., MS, MBA, or MD/PhD in a scientific discipline with additional relevant experience preferred
  
  

Experience Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience with at least 10 years global pharmaceutical drug development project management experience with demonstrated knowledge of drug commercialization and marketing. Minimum 10 years of proven experience as a people leader, manager, cross-functional coach. Proven experience hiring, training and developing global project management professionals. required
• At least 10 years of experience in Oncology (required) and other relevant therapeutic areas (highly desired). Track record of project managing drug development teams from IND to Global approvals and reimbursement. Understanding of key research, development and drug discovery processes. Prior experience and successful track record leading Project Management function in a global pharmaceutical/biotech company. required
• Experience operating effectively across multiple regions, including Japan, the U.S., and other international markets. Skilled at mentoring and developing expat project managers and navigating diverse time zones, languages, and cultural expectations. required
• Technology and Innovation Integration: Track record of integrating digital solutions, data analytics, automation, and AI-driven tools to elevate project management efficiency, transparency, and informed decision-making. required
• Ability to manage complex projects with aggressive milestones. Oversee and direct the various stages of development, registration and life cycle management (this includes coordinating integrated drug development plans, project team meeting minutes, project budgets and schedules). required
  
  

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel up to 25% - International and Domestic Travel

Additional Information

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Range

USD$316.725,00 - USD$527.875,00