Executive Director, Head of R&D Finance

Company Description

Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States focused on bringing transformative medicines for oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders to patients in China and around the world. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health worldwide.

Founded in 2014, our experienced team has secured partnerships with leading global biopharmaceutical  companies, generating a broad and late-stage pipeline of innovative drug candidates. Based on our proven  track record of  success, Zai Lab has earned the reputation as a trusted partner of choice for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to not only access the Chinese market but also find a long-term strategic partner for global clinical development.  Our unique business model builds on our in-licensed assets and innovative partnerships to expand our internal discovery and development capabilities and has created a portfolio of potential best-in-class and/or first-in-class therapies. Zai currently has four products on the market in China

Zai Lab was successfully listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in September 2017 and completed secondary listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2020. In 2022, Zai Lab became dual-primary listed on both the Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges. Since its inception, Zai Lab has expanded significantly with several offices across China. In 2021, Zai Lab established its U.S. Headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  As of January 2022, the Company has a global team of approximately 2000 employees.

Job Description

The Executive Director, Head of R&D Finance serves as a key member of the R&D leadership team, contributing to overall financial management of Discovery, Early Phase R&D, and late Phase R&D, and provides leadership over Business Planning, Trial Forecasting, Project Finance Support, and Functional Finance management.

The ED provides Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and key analytics for strategic decision making to members of the Sr. R&D Leadership Team, and oversees the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.  This individual also provides oversight to month end accounting close activities for all R&D functions

This is a high impact role requiring strong financial and management skills, decision support analysis, ability to shape and influence strategic investment decisions and ability to multi-task. This individual is a key strategic leader with opportunities for visibility and influence with Senior R&D leaders

RDLT Members’ Leadership Teams – this role is an integral part of the Research and Clinical Development Leadership teams providing ongoing financial support and dotted line reporting to Present/EVP level R&D Leadership to help drive decision making.  This includes aligning financial investment with overall functional and R&D strategy.

Budgeting and Forecasting – this role works with internal stakeholders and lead their team to create a robust annual budget and quarterly forecasting. This includes identifying drivers of variances and recommended areas for opportunities with investment.  Additionally, this role partners with the leadership teams to prioritize and eliminate spend to achieve financial targets and drive financial discipline.  

R&D Program Finance Support – this role is responsible for working with R&D organization to provide robust decision support analysis (eNPV analysis) for all clinical program investment decisions, and play an integral role in Long Range Plan for R&D programs

Clinical Trials – this role responsible for ensuring that clinical trials are supported from a forecasting and governance perspective.  This includes making sure the programs are staffed appropriately, and that all studies have gained approval from the appropriate governance committees prior to committing spend. 

Alliance management – This role leads financial planning, resource allocation, expenses allocation with our partners for those in-licensed/out-licensed programs.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 15+ years of progressive finance experiences; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Finance experience in biotech/pharma industry, preferably in R&D
• International work experience

PREFERRED:

• MBA or CPA preferred
• Excellent modelling and PowerPoint skills
• Ability to engage and influence senior R&D and other key stakeholders
• Consistent track record of solid business judgement and decision-making with ability to plan effectively and execute timely to deadlines
• Abil