About Astellas:
At Astellas we are a progressive health partner, delivering value and outcomes where needed.
We pursue innovative science, focussing initially on the areas of greatest potential and then developing solutions where patient need is high, often in rare or under-served disease areas and in life-threatening or life-limiting diseases and conditions.
We work directly with patients, doctors and health care professionals on the front line to ensure patient and clinical needs are guiding our development activities at every stage.
Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action. We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.
We work closely with regulatory authorities and payers to find new ways to ensure access to new therapies. We deliver the latest insights and real-world evidence to inform the best decisions for patients and their care-givers, to ensure the medicines we develop continue to provide meaningful outcomes.
Beyond medicines, we support our stakeholder communities to drive initiatives that improve awareness, education, access and ultimately standards of care.
The Opportunity:
As the Program Management Team Lead, you will play a key role in leading cross-functional teams to deliver strategic, non-pipeline research and development programs. You will ensure alignment with broader business goals, driving planning, execution, and delivery on time, within scope, and on budget—either independently or by leading others.
This is your opportunity to bring together strong strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication. Your ability to influence, motivate, and adapt will be essential—not only for program success but also in contributing to the Research and Development Program Management Leadership Team and potentially leading and developing direct reports.
You will face complex challenges in a dynamic environment, but you will be supported by a collaborative and forward-thinking team. If you are excited about the opportunity to make an impact across global research and development programs, this role is a great fit for you.
Hybrid Working:
At Astellas we recognise the importance of balancing your work and home life, so we offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues in person at the office alongside the flexibility to work from home; optimising the most productive work environment for you to succeed and deliver.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cross-functional / matrix teams to deliver non-pipeline programs within R&D – overseeing and directing planning (ensuring alignment with strategic/corporate objectives), execution, and delivery to time, cost and agreed scope.
- Manage stakeholders, ensuring appropriate communication (including to executives) on progress and issues. Establish KPIs (as applicable) and monitor/communicate performance appropriately.
- Ensure delivery of key outcomes and a successful transition to ‘business as usual’ through the application/oversight of appropriate change management strategies/approaches and the establishment and close oversight of transition plans/training to ensure value is maintained and enhanced within the receiving business function(s).
- Manage 4-6 direct reports, leading successful recruitment, performance management, development planning, and retention of a high-performing team. Effectively delegate responsibilities to achieve organizational goals and effectively develop and align individuals to their abilities/aspirations.
- Contribute effectively to leadership of the RD program Management Function as a member of the Leadership team – offering ideas and taking ownership/leadership of departmental activities aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the department and enhancing its impact within Astellas.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
- BA/BS in a science or business-related field, with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or R&D-focused consulting, including a strong foundation in clinical operations and drug development.
- Demonstrates deep understanding of global drug development processes and cross-functional business operations, with the ability to design, implement, and communicate complex systems effectively across the organization.
- Proven ability to lead, influence, and align cross-functional, multi-regional teams within highly matrixed and multicultural environments; experienced in managing project teams or consultants.
- Brings advanced program and project management capabilities, including expertise in enterprise-level pharmaceutical project systems and tools, as well as critical path analysis.
- Strong strategic thinker with high emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills; able to anticipate challenges, craft viable solutions, and engage effectively across all organizational levels.
- Demonstrates solid knowledge in establishing operational standards and using industry-standard tools such as MS Project, Excel, and enterprise project planning software; open to international travel as required.
Education:
- Advanced degree (MA/MS/MBA, PharmD, PhD, or related degree) or equivalent.
Additional Information:
- This is a permanent, full-time position
- This position is based in Poland.
- This position follows our hybrid working model. Role requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day per quarter in our Poland office. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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