Executive Director, Pipeline Project Leadership

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech is seeking an Executive Director, Pipeline Project Leadership as part of the Research & Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Pipeline Project Leadership at Legend Biotech will create and lead project development teams for cell therapies and related modalities in a robust pipeline aimed at changing the course of medicine. He/she will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the cross-functional product teams, guiding them from development to commercial launch. This role involves setting development and strategic goals, integrating key functions such as non-Clinical, Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, and Commercial into comprehensive plans, and ensuring timely and effective delivery. The position demands strong leadership in product development and team management, particularly in cell therapy and related modalities, within a collaborative, science-based, and patient-focused environment. The Project Leader will be the point of accountability for delivering pipeline projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead cross-functional project teams for each endorsed project
• Lead cross-functional teams in harnessing the strengths of functional area leaders, establish a cohesive integrated development strategy, set clear team goals, and foster a collaborative team dynamic
• Implement effective project leadership and project management methodologies to ensure the timely and successful delivery of results.
• Identify relevant cross functional dependencies and constraints and work to facilitate timely resolution to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Enable effective and rapid decision making with clear risks, mitigations, go/no-go criteria as part of a holistic operational plan to achieve success
• Operates with strong financials, company priorities and needs of partners
• Lead teams in preparation and execution of comprehensive development plans (e.g product, clinical, regulatory, commercial) and associated documents for each development program ensuring the requirements for all relevant areas are achieved
• Mentor and develop future talent from technical functions and create a pipeline for project leaders for early-stage programs
• In collaboration with the project manager, lead the creation and adjustment of aggressive timeline strategies with clear communication of underlying assumptions
• In collaboration with the project manager, proactively monitor project goals and provide timely communication on progress across all relevant levels of the organization including senior leadership
• Function as a single point of accountability for each project, including those with junior project leaders mentored by the successful candidate
• Adjust project strategies to changing company priorities and portfolio evolution
• In collaboration with the project manager, ensure high quality project execution
• Direct the advancement of each project through governance endorsement at each stage-gate review
• In collaboration with the project manager, ensure a robust risk register and execution of mitigation strategies
• Maintain strong awareness of competitive landscape and adapt project approaches to maintain best/first in class
• Collaborate with the project management office to evolve company processes for product development
• Establish a collaborative, science-based, agile, innovative, continuous improvement, and patient-focused culture for each project team
• Contribute to portfolio vision and prioritization
• Function as a single point of accountability for each project, including those with junior project leaders mentored by the successful candidate
• Build strong collaborative relationships with functional areas and creates a culture of transparency, unity and engagement
• Resolve conflict and proactively identify performance issues detrimental to the team and organization
  
  
  

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) or equivalent with 15 years of industry experience and demonstrated leadership in a project management and/or supervisory role
• 15 years of industry experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
• Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication skills
• Experience with development of autologous or allogeneic cell therapies and viral vectors, and the overall pharmaceutical development process and road maps
• Experience in therapeutic areas such as hematological malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and solid tumors
• Strong grasp of science with analytical skills to drive data-based decision making
• Demonstrated proficiency in drug development with sufficient awareness of CMC challenges for cell therapies and viral vectors
• Robust understanding of regulatory consideration of product development
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, solving complex problems, prioritization, and building teams
• Creative, strategic thinking
• Composure during challenging times
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Language: English. Mandarin is a plus.
  
  
  

The anticipated base pay range is:

$248,615—$326,307 USD

Benefits:

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive - both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that supports well-being, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match that vest fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles, we offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, 5 sick days, 11 U.S. national holidays, and 3 floating holidays. Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs - demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

EEO Statement

Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice by the employee or the company. Legend may adjust base salary or other discretionary compensation at any time based on individual, team, performance, or market conditions.

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Matched 401K
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Paid Paternity Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program