Director, Program Management

Role Summary

Director, Program Management to lead the planning and execution of one or more clinical and early development programs. Serve as a senior integrator across cross-functional teams, shaping program strategy, driving execution, and aligning organizational priorities. Bring extensive oncology drug development expertise, strategic leadership, and exceptional communication and facilitation skills. Reports to the Vice President, Program & Portfolio Management, with matrixed accountability to Project Team Leaders, functional leads and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for cross-functional drug development teams, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and scientific priorities.
• Partner with Project Team Leader to drive integrated program strategies, including timelines, budgets, risk mitigation plans, and resource allocation.
• Oversee planning and execution of key drug development milestones (e.g., IND, IP availability, FIP, data readouts, regulatory filings), ensuring cross-functional coordination and accountability.
• Drive decision-making and issue resolution at the program level, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Apply deep understanding of oncology drug development to assist PTL in identifying key strategic inflection points and stage gates to de-risk next phases and ongoing programs within the portfolio.
• Serve as a key liaison between program teams and executive leadership, delivering critical updates, strategic recommendations, and facilitating governance interactions.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve program risks, issues, resource gaps and acceleration opportunities.
• Present critical program updates and strategic recommendations, and respond to questions from senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance portfolio planning data integrity, streamline workflows, and optimize vendor and team collaboration.
• Establish, maintain and enforce best practices in program management, knowledge sharing, and operational excellence.
• Facilitate transparent communication across department subject matter experts and external partners to ensure program alignment and momentum.
• Mentor and guide junior program managers and contribute to the growth of the Program & Portfolio Management function.
• Represent Janux externally with partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Project Management, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record in managing programs from early development through late-stage clinical milestones, including regulatory submissions, within oncology programs.
• Deep understanding of biotech industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and clinical development processes.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (MS Project preferred).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Project Management, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration
• Program management and governance
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Communication with senior leadership
• Oncology drug development knowledge
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project preferred)

Additional Requirements

• Work Location: On site (San Diego, CA)
• Work Authorization: United States (Required)
• Schedule: Monday to Friday