Global Project Head - R&D Vaccines

Role Summary

Global Project Head for R&D Vaccines leads the development and execution of integrated strategies and development plans for New Vaccines projects from Gate M2 through licensure. The role requires strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and accountability for project risk management, serving as the primary communicator to governance committees. You will lead Global Project Teams and interface with franchise and brand teams, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance global vaccine development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Product Development Strategy & Execution: Contribute to high-level development strategies including Target Product/Vaccine Profile (TPP/TVP); develop and execute project strategy from Gate M2 through licensure; drive strategic decisions balancing science, viability, and patient impact; ensure deliverables meet timelines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements across markets

• Team Leadership: Structure and lead the Global Project Team; set objectives, provide feedback, and hold team members accountable; mentor and develop team members; foster an inclusive environment

• Project Management: Deliver projects on-time and within budget; monitor milestones and address obstacles; coordinate across functional areas and geographies

• Resource Management: Supervise activities and resolve resource utilization issues; optimize budget, personnel, and materials; partner with functional leaders to secure resources; make data-driven prioritization decisions

• Strategic Planning: Translate TPP into scope and actionable plans; ensure alignment with Integrated Early Global Plan, Integrated Strategic Commercial Plan, Clinical Development Plan, Technical Strategy Document, and Global Regulatory Plan; anticipate future needs

• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with executive-level internal and external stakeholders; build consensus among diverse groups; navigate organizational dynamics; represent the project in governance forums

• Communication: Champion project objectives, progress, and risk mitigation; present to senior leadership and external partners with clarity; ensure transparent status updates; tailor messaging to diverse audiences

• Alliance Management: Manage relationships with NGOs, partner companies, academic groups, and joint ventures; negotiate and oversee collaboration agreements; align internal and external expectations

• Franchise Strategy: Contribute to unified R&D vision and strategic roadmap for the franchise; integrate project strategy with portfolio objectives; identify cross-project synergies

Qualifications

• Required: Master of Science in a scientific-related field; PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred
• Required: 7+ years of experience in vaccine development in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related discipline

Skills

• Proven ability to lead international, cross-functional teams toward common goals
• Skilled in building trust and fostering collaboration across diverse teams and cultures
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve excellence
• Navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex situations
• Exceptional presentation skills and ability to distill complex information into compelling narratives
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics
• Comprehensive knowledge of vaccine development processes, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changing priorities
• Intellectually curious with commitment to continuous learning
• Passion for improving patient lives and advancing global health

Education

• Master of Science in a scientific-related field; PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred