Director, Strategic Projects and Organisational Enablement Clinical Development Hematology, R&D

Summary of Group:

The Hematology Research and Early Development (R&D) team has the accountability for all drug development activities in hematology research from first in man studies, all the way to late-stage trials leading to drug approval by regulatory agencies (Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials). The team strives to deliver compelling preclinical, clinical and translational data packages providing confidence in the dosing strategy, tolerability profile and therapeutic efficacy of our candidate drugs to support investment in late-stage clinical development, leading to drug approval. 

Summary of Role: 

The Director, Strategic Projects & Organizational Enablement drives execution of strategic priorities across Clinical Development by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing operational performance, and ensuring alignment with Haematology goals. The role integrates planning, performance management, and financial oversight while enabling collaboration, innovation, and effective delivery across global teams.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate business improvement projects across Clinical Development, ensuring projects align with business needs and progress according to established breakthroughs. Implement new operational initiatives that improve business performance and continuity in the sophisticated, fast-moving Haematology environment. Support Clinical Development leaders to drive performance on the deliverables of the function in alignment with global Haematology goals 

• Work cross-functionally to highlight opportunities for innovation and operational excellence in support of Clinical Development function, proactively engaging with partners.  

• Coordinate priority initiatives and cross-portfolio activities across multiple teams and regions, maintaining alignment within and beyond sub-departments, and encouraging performance, collaboration and accountability. 

• Support senior leadership teams by helping with planning, defining objectives, and reviewing performance. You will ensure that the aims of the Clinical Development function are consistent with the broader Haematology vision and goals.   

• Track progress of goals and deliverables; you will report quarterly breakthroughs up to the Haem scorecard. 

• Lead communications with KEEs and setting up one-time or long-term contracts with external authorities for consultations 

• Coordinate with Global Clinical Heads on External Science Panels/Advisory Boards to receive external authority advice on clinical trial design proposals, including coordination with key external authorities, contracting, content creating, meeting logistics and takeaways 

• Coordinate annual planning cycles and ensure measurable metrics and success criteria are defined for all initiatives. Build and maintain relationships across functions to ensure the deliverables align with broader organizational priorities. 

• Lead business and financial planning activities for Clinical Development in partnership with Finance (e.g., long-term and medium-term planning) and contribute to Haematology-level planning in collaboration with the Head of Business Planning and Operations for CMO. 

• Work with leadership teams to set, lead, and communicate strategic priorities and goals (activities and budget), in close collaboration with portfolio, project and strategy teams, demonstrating reporting and analytics tools to communicate results. 

• Oversee the travel budget and carbon allocation for Clinical Development  

• Support preparation for critical internal and external meetings and presentations in partnership with Communications   

• Oversee the Clinical Development budget forecasting, resource planning in collaboration with Portfolio & Capacity, Finance and the Head of Business Planning and Operations for Haematology.  

• Support talent development, retention, and succession planning initiatives, including supporting open head count requests and leading the succession planning for the Clinical Development LT. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in relevant discipline 

• 10+ years industry experience with 3+ years focus on project management or operations management 

• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical development or biotech 

• Consistent track record of supporting leadership teams or cros