Executive Director, Program Management - Pharmaceutical

Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients.
 
Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive.
 
We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve.
Position Summary:

The Executive Director, Program Management will work closely with product teams and R&D functions to translate asset strategy into integrated development plans and drive execution of key program objectives.  Working closely with the product team members across non-clinical development, clinical development/science, clinical operations, regulatory, medical writing and biometrics, this role will guide strategic planning, manage timelines and interdependencies, identify and mitigate risks, integrate project plans, and facilitate timely decision-making. This role will report to the Vice President, Asset Strategy.

This is a hybrid role (2-3 days a week) at our Newark, CA office.  We will only consider local candidates at this time.

Responsibilities:

- Lead team discussions on project strategies, short-term and long-term project planning, opportunities for expediting timelines, and identification of resource constraints, ensuring appropriate escalation
- Partner with R&D functions and manage overlapping timelines and interdependent deliverables to ensure timely execution of clinical operations activities and regulatory submissions.
- Support Product Team meetings and discussions using meeting management best practices to drive, scenario planning, cross-functional communication, decision-making, and execution of program objectives
- Develop agendas and summarize key meeting discussions and decisions, including providing program updates and recommendations to senior leadership
- Develop, track and maintain project development timelines (integrated project plans), project deliverables and milestones
- Provide project management guidance by communicating interdependencies, critical path activities, and alignment with corporate goals
- Work closely with and build strong working relationships with cross-functional team members and external vendors to develop a collaborative team environment.
- Lead scenario planning to evaluate development options and their implications for timelines, costs, resources, and program risk
- Establish and improve program management practices, tools, and reporting to strengthen execution across the development portfolio

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of project management experience in drug development, or equivalent experience
- Strong understanding of Drug Development process and US and ex-US regulatory requirements, including demonstrated NDA/BLA submissions experience
- Essential experience in early-stage programs (pre-clinical through Phase I/II) and late-stage program development (Phase II/III pivotal)
- Proven project management leadership with ability to drive complex programs with alignment from the cross-functional teams to meet business needs
- Proven ability to balance the strategic needs of the program with tactical day-to-day activities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, diplomacy, and the ability to influence others
- Highly collaborative team player who promotes open communication and responds effectively to urgent needs
- Proven ability to develop and manage accurate integrated project plans and timelines, with proficiency in Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, and Excel
- PMP certification preferred
The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $290,000 - $350,000 . Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.   Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.   Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.   We do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms, or recruiters or similar vendors. Any such unsolicited resume submitted to any employee or through Company's career site without a valid, signed search agreement signed by Company's authorized representative will be deemed the property of the company, and no fees will be paid in the event of a hire. Company will have the right to hire any such candidate at its discretion without any financial obligation or fee owed to the vendor. Any verbal or written communication with a Company employee outside of this process will not be considered a binding agreement.