Otsuka is hiring a Senior Director, Early Development Team Lead to play a pivotal role in advancing our immunology pipeline. This position is responsible for leading integrated, asset-focused teams from pre-clinical stages through to clinical proof of concept, shaping development strategies and driving value creation for early-phase programs.
What You'll Do
- Lead Early Development teams to deliver early phase assets through clinical proof of concept to support go/no-go decisions.
- Engage EDT members and stakeholders to devise and implement an agreed development strategy for early phase portfolio assets.
- Effectively engage with governance and advisory bodies to agree, revise, and progress asset development plans.
- Continually analyze, progress, and engage EDT members and stakeholders to solve problems and deliver data-driven decisions.
- Ensure the EDT delivers assets to Full Development that meet robust Target Reimbursable Product Profiles.
- Ensure the team meets set milestones, within timelines & budget while seeking opportunities to streamline development.
- Engage senior leaders and functional area stakeholders to ensure alignment of program strategy and operational plans.
- Work with the EDT to set goals and objectives for asset development and ensure aligned functional and individual objectives.
- Oversee relevant sub-teams, provide feedback and coaching, and hold sub-team leaders accountable for key deliverables.
- Facilitate objective and effective decision making among team members.
- Build productive relationships with functional heads and partner with them to advance EDT goals and secure resources.
- Communicate key program information, risks, and milestones across key stakeholders, governance teams, and functional leaders.
What We're Looking For
- MD, PhD, DVM, PharmD, MBA, or equivalent advanced biology degree.
- Experienced drug developer with 10+ years experience in the drug development process.
- Experience in managing and leading high performance, cross-functional teams (Matrix) or complex organizations.
- Strong understanding of relevant regulatory health authority expectations and regulations for drug development.
- Working knowledge of all functional areas of exploratory development, including CMC (small molecules and biologics), biology, toxicology, clinical pharmacology, ADME/DMPK, early clinical development.
Nice to Have
- Experience in early phase development covering both biologics and small molecule.
Team & Environment
You will lead asset-focused multi-disciplinary Early Development Teams (EDTs), reporting to Early Development leadership.
Benefits & Compensation
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage.
- Company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Student loan assistance.
- Generous 401(k) match.
- Flexible time off.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid leave programs.
- Compensation range: $230,720.00 - $345,000.00, plus incentive opportunity.
Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
