Senior Director, Oncology Portfolio Strategy & Program Development Lead (Early)

Location of role Gaithersburg, MD, US, Conshohocken, PA, US, Oxford, UK

Department Development Strategy

Key Responsibilities Main Purpose of Job:

Lead the development and execution of the product strategy for oncology projects in early-stage development

Lead a cross-functional team to develop a range of strategic and tactical recommendations for program development, secure governance and budget approval, and secure resource for the projects

Articulate the project goals, strategy, and underlying science to internal and external audiences with clarity and credibility to enable effective program execution

Be accountable for cross-functional program execution, including reporting of progress/issues

Partner with other program leaders, scientific and clinical leaders, and external experts to develop integrated project plans & sound portfolio strategy

Lead and drive broader portfolio tumor strategy with a focus on NSCLC development strategy

Key Responsibilities:

Defines and articulates oncology program and portfolio strategy

Develops and leads cross-functional product development team responsible for multiple therapies in oncology portfolio through early-stage clinical development

Creates strategic and integrated product development plans aligned with business objectives and are differentiated from competitor products

Derives and communicates recommendations for program strategy at governance meetings, and aligns with key stakeholders

Ensures there are robust processes, plans and data to enable senior leadership to make investment decisions and prioritise projects across the portfolio

Facilitate strategic scenario planning discussions, and in partnership with project management, work to identify critical issues, develop contingency plans

Collaborates with other program leaders to ensure clear portfolio strategy and recognizes synergy across programs

Accountability for overall program execution

Effectively manages/mitigates/communicates project risks, makes decisions, and manages conflict and change

Serves as the single point of accountability for the program team, and drives key program decisions through appropriate governance forums

Builds high performing teams, ensuring adequate resources in place to support program strategy, and in partnership with Functional Leadership resolve any team performance issues, working with line managers to develop team members

Ensures that the program team implements its plans and adheres to key development milestones

Develops solutions for barriers to executing program strategy, taking into account specific functional needs and fills in gaps to execute programs

Uses good judgement to ensure program moves forward swiftly – making decisions for program as needed, and raising issues when appropriate

Drives team objective setting for program-related activities

Collaborates effectively with functional leaders to ensure program alignment and develops an understanding of functional issues affecting the program, and then partners to create solutions

In collaboration with project management, monitors program financials, ensuring resources in place to support program goals, and escalate resource needs, where appropriate

Drives oncology portfolio strategy – focus on NSCLC strategy

Reviews competitive landscape in key strategic indications, with a focus on NSCLC, to define current standards of care, emerging players, key competitor dynamics and delivers market opportunity assessments

Understands potential competitive scenarios and utilizes to shape future clinical programs and target product profile requirements

Works with clinical and medical team to ensure external expert advice incorporated into planned programs and strategies

Independently identifies key opportunities for analysis that can inform portfolio strategy

Proactively provides insights to shape patient populations, clinical designs, commercial considerations, and other key elements within clinical development programs

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility (If applicable):

No direct supervisory responsibility is expected. However, leader is expected to lead through a matrix framework across a broad range of R&D functions.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

Essential Qualifications:

PhD or MD highly preferred

8 years’ experience in pharma/biotech or related industry

Prior experience in oncology, preferably in NSCLC or CRC

Early phase drug development experience, preferably in immune-oncology

Prior Experience In R&D Leadership Positions In Pharma/biotech Required

Excellent analytical and strategic abilities

Deep understanding of the drug development process

Broad understanding of the evolving oncology landscape

Experience leading in a global matrix environment across a range of functions, seniority, and locations.

Demonstrated ability to collate and structure information from multiple sources to form a clear narrative and distil key issues

Demonstrated ability to influence and establish and maintain credibility with senior audiences

Demonstrated organizational and project management skills

Essential Competencies:

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Track record of good decision-making that is fact-based

Self-motivated, able to work autonomously

Ability to challenge, influence, and support senior leadership

Ability to bring structure to vaguely defined problems and solve them with creative yet pragmatic approaches

Ability to formulate cohesive strategic arguments

Resourceful, motivated, and proactive – strong drive for excellence

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a rapidly changing organization

Must demonstrate high integrity

About the Company Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry’s most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.

Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients’ lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.

Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.