Senior Director Program Management

Senior Director / Director, Programme Management

Hlx are working with an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with renal and rare kidney diseases. Leveraging cutting-edge science and a highly collaborative culture, we are advancing a pipeline of innovative programmes from early research through clinical development.

As we continue to scale, we are seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior / Director of Programme Management to provide strategic and operational leadership across our development portfolio.

Reports directly into the CEO.

Position Summary

You'll play a critical role in driving cross-functional programme execution across research, translational, clinical, regulatory, CMC, and corporate functions. This individual will partner closely with senior leadership and scientific teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and timely delivery of key development milestones.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment and bring a combination of strategic thinking, operational rigour, and strong stakeholder management capabilities.

This is a highly visible role with broad exposure across the organisation and significant influence on portfolio prioritisation, governance, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Execution

• Lead cross-functional programme teams across clinical-stage renal programmes.
• Develop and maintain integrated programme plans, timelines, budgets, risk registers, and decision frameworks.
• Drive alignment across R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, Biometrics, Commercial, and external partners.
• Ensure programmes progress against agreed milestones, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies proactively.
• Facilitate effective governance processes, including leadership updates, steering committee meetings, and portfolio reviews.

Strategic Planning

• Support corporate and portfolio strategy by integrating scientific, operational, and business considerations.
• Partner with executive leadership on scenario planning, resource prioritisation, and development strategy.
• Contribute to investor, board, and partner materials as required.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a central communication hub across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with scientific founders, clinical advisors, CROs, and strategic partners.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented team culture.
• Ensure clarity around objectives, responsibilities, timelines, and critical decision points.

Operational Excellence

• Establish and refine programme management processes, tools, and governance frameworks suitable for a growing biotech environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance portfolio visibility and execution efficiency.
• Monitor programme budgets and resource allocation in partnership with Finance and functional leaders.
• Support due diligence and alliance management activities where required.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MSc, or MBA) preferred.
• Significant biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry experience, including programme or project management within drug development.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional development programmes in a biotech environment.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes, including preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and CMC activities.
• Experience supporting governance structures and executive-level decision-making.
• Proven ability to influence across functions without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable operating in a lean, agile, and rapidly evolving company environment.

If interested, please email George.Pyett@Hlxlifesciences.com