Global Project Head - R&D Vaccines

Role Summary

Global Project Head - 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 oversees Global Project Teams and cross-functional collaboration, manages project risk, and communicates with governance committees. The position serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including NGOs, partner companies, academic institutions, and joint ventures, to advance vaccine development initiatives on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to creation and implementation of high-level product development strategies including Target Product/Vaccine Profile (TPP/TVP)
• Hold full accountability for developing and executing project strategy from Gate M2 through licensure, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and patient needs
• Drive strategic decision-making that balances scientific innovation, commercial viability, and patient impact
• Ensure project deliverables meet timelines, quality standards and regulatory requirements across all markets
• Structure and lead the Global Project Team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture
• Set clear objectives, provide constructive feedback, and hold team members accountable for deliverables
• Mentor and develop team members, building capabilities across the organization
• Create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged
• Deliver projects on-time, within budget, and in accordance with strategic objectives
• Monitor project milestones and proactively address obstacles to maintain momentum
• Ensure seamless coordination across all functional areas and geographies
• Supervise project activities and resolve resource utilization issues across functions
• Optimize allocation of budget, personnel, and materials to maximize project efficiency
• Partner with functional leaders to secure necessary resources and capabilities; make data-driven decisions regarding resource prioritization and trade-offs
• Translate TPP into comprehensive scope, objectives, and actionable plans
• Ensure alignment across Integrated Early Global Plan (IEGP), Integrated Strategic Commercial Plan (iSCP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), Technical Strategy Document (TSD), and Global Regulatory Plan and Strategy (GRPS)
• Anticipate future needs and proactively adapt strategies to changing landscapes
• Drive innovation in development approaches and methodologies
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders at the executive level
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups with competing priorities
• Navigate complex organizational dynamics to advance project objectives
• Represent the project in high-level strategic discussions and governance forums
• Champion project objectives, progress, and risk mitigation strategies across all organizational levels
• Present to senior leadership, governance committees, and external partners with clarity and impact
• Ensure transparent, timely communication of project status, challenges, and opportunities
• Tailor messaging to diverse audiences, from scientific experts to business leaders
• Manage strategic relationships with NGOs, partner companies, academic groups, and joint ventures
• Negotiate and oversee collaboration agreements that advance project goals
• Ensure alignment between internal objectives and external partner expectations
• Leverage external partnerships to access capabilities, expertise, and resources
• Contribute to the development of a unified R&D vision and strategic roadmap for the franchise
• Integrate project strategy with broader portfolio and franchise objectives
• Identify opportunities for synergies across projects and therapeutic areas
• Participate in long-term strategic planning and portfolio optimization

Qualifications

• Required: Master of Science degree in a scientifically related field; PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred
• 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
• Talent for inspiring and motivating others to achieve excellence
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex situations
• Exceptional presentation skills, capable of distilling complex information into compelling narratives
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among stakeholders with different perspectives
• Commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics
• Comprehensive knowledge of vaccine development processes, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Adaptive 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