Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to unlock the power of gene therapy to accelerate healthcare transformation.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.

Primary Duties

The Program Management (PM) Lead will be primarily responsible for managing the cross-functional activities of one or more Asset Teams and will be responsible for the integration of strategy into an Integrated Program Plan (IPP). The PM Lead will support the Asset General Manager (AGM) and the Asset Team. They will contribute a strategic perspective and will identify risks and challenges to be addressed, track progress versus the plan, facilitate informed and timely decision making for a program, communicate program milestones to stakeholders, and facilitate governance interactions for stage gate transitions and any significant changes to the IPP. In some cases, the PM Lead may run the Asset Team meeting in the absence of the AGM.

The PM Lead will be responsible for the program management of at least 1 Asset Team and/or 1 or more preclinical Candidate Development Teams (CDTs), manage corporate business initiatives, and support the development and implementation of a Program Management Center of Excellence (including an enterprise software planning system and milestone reports). The PM Lead will excel in operations and is a problem solver with proficiency in project management and ideally has experience managing development programs (IND to Commercialization).

Responsibilities

Asset Team Program Management (depending on stage of development, the % of time will vary):

• Creates and regularly maintains the IPP (based on collective inputs of functional project managers and the team representatives). Ensures that plans are aligned with strategic objectives for the program.
• Schedules Asset Team meetings and works with the Asset General Manager (AGM) to agree on meeting agenda and ensures it is appropriate for the meeting
• Works closely with the AGM in ensuring key activities, milestones and functional inputs are integrated
• Works with team members and sub-teams to develop scenarios for evaluation and resolve issues
• Facilitates annual budgeting and strategic planning for the Program; maintains the program budget
• Updates the IPP / Gantt chart based upon updates and events using enterprise planning techniques and software
• Records meeting discussions, activities, action items and decisions
• Creates status updates and dashboards to be reviewed by the AGM and the Asset Team and circulated to Leadership
• Supports team in the preparation for internal Spark governance such as stage gates
• Collaborates closely with Alliance Management Lead on any partnered programs
• Develops other tools as needed to enhance transparent communications amongst the team and with governance bodies.

Depending on allocation of time towards Asset Team:

• Program manage 1 or more preclinical Candidate Development Teams (CDTs)
  • Work with CDT Leader to develop agendas, facilitate meetings and planning sessions, capture and follow-up on actions
  • Update early portfolio dashboards with program milestones
  • Prepare documentation regarding current results and forward-looking plans towards the achievement of stage gates
• Provide program management support to corporate business initiatives (e.g., change initiatives, rollout of new processes or governance structures, operating model refinements, etc.)
• Contribute to the development and testing of project management tools and processes to help establish a Program Management Center of Excellence within Spark. This may include:
  • Developing templates and tools for Asset Teams, CDTs, etc.
  • Adopting new technologies to better support functions
  • Providing expertise in MS Project Online, OnePager, SharePoint, and MS Teams
  • Providing training to functional project management teams
  • Providing a consistent look and feel across all templates and tools to ensure portability across teams

Education and Experience Requirements

• College degree in relevant field of study (required), graduate degree (preferred)
• 12+ years of experience in life sciences and biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry (required), with experience in managing cross-functional Development or Commercialization teams.
• 7+ years experience in life sciences and biotechnology industry asset-level project management with demonstrated knowledge of Project Management tools (e.g., MS Project)
• Formal Project Management training (e.g., Project Management Professional) preferred
• Proven ability to translate strategy and ensure tactical execution of solutions to operational issues in a fast-paced environment
• Experience having successfully managed projects/programs and business/change initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in scenario planning, problem resolution and goal setting for teams
• Demonstrated track record of working collaboratively in a cross functional environment, and leading people without reporting authority
• Distinctive communication (oral, written, and presentation), analytical, and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent planning, project management and problem-solving skills
• Proven skills at negotiating solutions in complex environments

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Communication - Excellent communication, analytical, scientific assessment, and presentation skills, including ability to communicate succinctly and effectively to key stakeholders
• Collaboration - Strong collaborative skills to assure alignment of strategic and operational plans across functions and geographies. Flexible and positive approach.
• Problem-Solving - Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot on complex issues within a matrix environment. Driven and results oriented.
• Credible - Ability to challenge product/project assumptions to resolve conflicts, optimize timelines and cost through sound knowledge of all stages of drug development and commercialization.
• Resourceful -Demonstrated ability to regularly seek out and incorporate well-informed perspectives, both internally and externally, to develop deeper insights.
• Focused - Ability to complete tasks to deadlines and prioritize conflicting demands. Proactive and detail oriented.
• Standalone -Ability towork independently and with little formal support to lead projects and motivate teams

Spark takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training, and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, and external market and internal value when determining a salary for potential new employees. The base salary range for this position is currently from $182,800 to $274,200.

Spark Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles from any source other than directly from candidates. Any unsolicited resume/candidate profile submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Spark Therapeutics are considered property of Spark Therapeutics and are not subject to payment of agency fees.