Overview

The Senior Director, Government Operations, is responsible for overseeing program management activities related to Shionogi’s US Government Contracts, including partnerships with agencies such as BARDA, NIH, and the Department of Defense (DOD). This role serves as a key liaison with government agencies, ensuring alignment on program deliverables, budgets, and compliance reporting. As a strategic leader, the Senior Director guides cross functional teams to successfully execute complex, multi-year agreements and fosters strong business relationships. This role requires deep expertise in managing government-funded pharmaceutical programs, exceptional operational and leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering excellence in program execution.

Responsibilities

• Leads program management efforts for Shionogi products being developed in collaboration with U.S. Government agencies, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines.
• Manages and develops staff providing leadership, mentoring, and performance management to build a high-performing function.
• Ensures full compliance with federal regulations and funding guidelines while effectively managing resources to advance the development of assets governed by U.S. government agreements.
• Serves as a liaison with U.S. government personnel, cultivating a robust network of contacts and fostering collaborative relationships to drive program success.
• Monitors and reports on status to internal stakeholders, proactively identifying potential issues and proposing mitigation strategies to address potential risks.
• Leads program meetings and teleconferences with government agencies ensuring adherence to all reporting requirements and fostering clear communication.
• Manages development and review of program materials including presentations, quarterly meeting updates, monthly reporting metrics, and cost allocations, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Identifies and evaluates new collaboration opportunities with U.S. Government agencies, coordinating the development and submission of White Papers, Technical Proposals, and Cost Proposals to secure future partnerships.
• Identifies and proactively manages risks associated with government contracts, including financial, regulatory, and operational risks.
• Establishes contingency plans and ensures adherence to risk mitigation strategies.
• Facilitates alignment and collaboration between internal teams (e.g., R&D, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Legal) and external stakeholders to ensure seamless program execution.
• Contributes to the negotiation, execution, and amendments of contracts with government agencies.
• Represents Shionogi at industry forums, conferences, or government meetings to advocate for program needs and establish thought leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, life sciences, or related field required; advanced degree such as MBA or PhD preferred
• 12 years of relevant experience in R&D, program management, government operations, or contract management within the pharmaceutical/biotech industries.
• Proven expertise managing complex U.S. Government contracts, including experience with BARDA, NIH, and/or DOD.
• Extensive experience navigating federal regulations, managing compliance reporting, and addressing audit requirements specific to government-funded pharmaceutical programs.
• Solid financial management skills, including budgeting, cost allocation, and financial reconciliation for federally funded programs.
• Experience in managing and mentoring staff, with a focus on building high-performing teams.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with senior government officials and internal stakeholders.
• Superb presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex technical or regulatory information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences, including government officials, cross-functional teams, and executive leadership.

Competencies

• Able to establish and build close working relationships with US Government partners and across the global Shionogi organization.
• Comfortable and capable in a variety of cultures and skilled in working across multiple functions
• Team oriented with the confidence and integrity to work effectively as a member of an innovative and nimble global organization.
• Able to effectively build and lead a highly performing functional team.