Senior Director, Global Development Leader
Elanco
Summary
The Sr. Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for global animal health development programs, ensuring delivery of programs objective from research through approval, supply readiness, and launch. Accountable for maximizing product value, driving cross-functional alignment, and delivering programs On Time In Full (OTIF). Scope may include multiple species, technology types and registration pathways.
Job description
Your Responsibilities
- Define and deliver the project goals OTIF by proactively managing program profile, timeline, risk, opportunity, investment and resourcing strategies from research to approval including reliable supply and launch readiness.
- Serve as the single point of accountability to governance for strategic and technical program performance.
- Lead development and optimize program progression strategy in partnership with functional SMEs to deliver optimum product profile ensuring alignment with innovation governance.
- Lead issue escalation and resolution processes, driving timely decisions and cross-functional alignment through innovation governance bodies.
- Represent the program across governance forums, delivering transparent, data-driven updates on progress, risks, mitigation plans, and strategic opportunities to enable informed decision-making.
- Ensure strong collaboration and interaction with critical functions beyond R&D (e.g. Corporate Strategy & Global Launch, Manufacturing & Quality) to ensure proper program valuation & ROI.
- Set clear goals and objectives for the program team members, hold self and others accountable.
- Positively influence, foster creativity, and motivate program team members. Proactively identify & communicate risks, mitigations and remediation plan.
- Create a high-performance team environment through clear accountability, effective influence, and strong stakeholder alignment.
- Effectively lead engagements with regulatory agencies, external collaborators/vendors as needed.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)
- Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Veterinary medicine, Immunology, Pharmacology, biology, animal science, or related sciences) plus relevant industry experience.
- Extensive experience in regulated pharmaceutical or animal health product development.
- Deep expertise across end-to-end development with strong knowledge in at least two of the following: Clinical Development (Safety/Efficacy), Technical Development / CMC, Regulatory Affairs.
- A strong track record of matrixed leadership capabilities including the ability to assess and adapt communication, accountability, and motivational styles within a team of diverse personalities and backgrounds across the global sites network.
- Demonstrated success leading complex global, cross-functional development programs.
- Strong strategic thinking, matrix leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and decision-making skills.
- High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead and motivate diverse teams.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)
- PhD and/or DVM with 5+ years of R&D project leadership experience within Animal Health.
- Proven ability to independently lead multiple complex development programs.
- PH Therapeutics Experience - in small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccine development.
- Demonstrated success presenting to and influencing senior governance and executive leadership teams.
Additional Information
- Domestic/International travel required (20%)
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Veterinary medicine, Immunology, Pharmacology, biology, animal science, or related sciences) plus relevant industry experience.
- Extensive experience in regulated pharmaceutical or animal health product development.
- Deep expertise across end-to-end development with strong knowledge in at least two of the following: Clinical Development (Safety/Efficacy), Technical Development / CMC, Regulatory Affairs.
- A strong track record of matrixed leadership capabilities including the ability to assess and adapt communication, accountability, and motivational styles within a team of diverse personalities and backgrounds across the global sites network.
- Demonstrated success leading complex global, cross-functional development programs.
- Strong strategic thinking, matrix leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and decision-making skills.
- High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead and motivate diverse teams.
- PhD and/or DVM with 5+ years of R&D project leadership experience within Animal Health.
- Proven ability to independently lead multiple complex development programs.
- PH Therapeutics Experience - in small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccine development.
- Demonstrated success presenting to and influencing senior governance and executive leadership teams.
Benefits
- Relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Company overview
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a global leader in the animal health pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of both pets and farm animals worldwide. Founded in 1954 as a division of Eli Lilly and Company, Elanco became an independent public company in 2018 and has since grown to become the world's second-largest independent animal health company. With approximately 9,000 employees globally, the company operates with a clear purpose: 'making life better for animals, makes life better.' Elanco develops innovative medicines, vaccines, and health solutions that empower veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners to advance animal care. The company maintains a balanced portfolio between pet health and farm animal products, offering over 200 brands that address critical health challenges ranging from companion animal diseases to livestock productivity. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Elanco is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ELAN) and continues to drive innovation in animal health through strategic acquisitions and dedicated research and development efforts.