Head of Strategic Planning and Initiatives

Role Summary

Head of Strategic Planning and Initiatives leads cross-functional strategy development, pipeline sustainability, and execution to align Ophthalmology, Rare Diseases, GMU, and TDSB with the overarching Research and Development franchise strategy. The role partners with functional leaders, drives strategic initiatives, and supports governance reviews to enable sustained growth and organizational impact.

Responsibilities

• Functional Strategy Support: Shape functional strategies for Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases and transversal platforms (GMU and TDSB) in line with the Research and Research-Development-Commercial franchise strategy. Communicate strategy clearly to stakeholders and ensure transparency and alignment across functions. Drive strategic initiatives as requested by global functional leaders. Lead preparation for governance reviews (Portfolio Strategy Week, Scientific Committee of the Board, Board of Directors, functional scientific reviews).
• Pipleline Sustainability: Partner with Rare Disease and Ophthalmology leaders to implement the pipeline sustainability plan. Maximize value creation through transversal departments by partnering with GMU and TDSB heads. Monitor progress, identify risks, develop mitigation strategies for long-term viability, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sustainability with broader franchise goals.
• Partnership With Functional Leaders: Serve as a strategic partner to Research leaders, organize leadership meetings, manage follow-ups, triage requests, and delegate as appropriate. Be embedded in functions to advocate for their needs. Facilitate scientific working groups and drive prospective budget planning and prioritization. Deliver tailored support with the Execution and Excellence team.
• Cohesive Strategic Execution: Act as a bridge between Rare, Ophthalmology, GMU, TDSB, and key stakeholders across R&D, portfolio management and strategy, communications, finance, P&C, and R&D operations. Ensure seamless execution of strategies through cross-functional alignment and establish processes to track and report outcomes.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 10 years of drug discovery and development experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology.
• Deep knowledge of therapeutic area and platform strategies and the broader R&D landscape.
• Strong leadership and project management skills with a track record of driving initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement long-term strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Build partnerships across functions.
• Problem Solving: Analyze and address complex challenges.
• Adaptability: Navigate dynamic environments and shifting priorities.
• Results Orientation: Focus on measurable outcomes and driving value.

Education

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., or equivalent) in relevant scientific discipline.