Product Development Team Lead

Description

At Viridian (NASDAQ: VRDN), we aim to advance new treatments for patients underserved by today’s therapies. Our team consists of talented, entrepreneurial-minded professionals dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases.  We strive for data-driven decisions, strategic risk-taking, and efficient use of time and funds to best position our ideas for success. We value thoughtful ideas, open communication, and transparency, and are committed to a culture that allows employees to contribute at a high level, grow their careers, and balance their personal and professional ambitions. 

The Product Development Team Leader (PDTL) will have accountability for the overall vision, strategy, execution, and related development deliverables for one or more key programs consistent with the company’s objectives and portfolio strategy. The role involves extensive collaboration with key internal stakeholders, external opinion leaders and consultants, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to design and implement a comprehensive strategy. The role includes responsibility for product life cycle planning; internal and external project communication; cross-functional integration and alignment; partnership management, and achievement of corporate and program goals.  The incumbent will represent the PDT(s) and the company as a business and scientific leader in alliance governance, collaborations, or other external meetings as appropriate. 

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and management of all aspects of complex, global development programs, including those focused on multiple indications, from the end of lead identification stage through post-commercialization
• Establish a program vision and strategy that ensures the maximum value and growth for the product
• Anticipate internal and external drivers of change to program strategy and respond by making well-reasoned and rapid revisions to strategy to minimize risk and maximize opportunity.
• Maximizing alignment, cooperation, input, decision making, commitment and synergy of product development team members to ensure their technical contributions meet or exceed program and commercial portfolio objectives
• Guides the product development team in evaluating appropriate alternatives and options, and ensuring the team is aligned with key stakeholders
• Integration of clinical/regulatory as well as commercial strategy into global product development strategy
• Defining product development value points across the product development lifecycle
• Prioritize and negotiate with internal stakeholders for the required resources, including FTE’s, variable, and external resources
• Fiscal responsibility for the program budget
• Coordinate and manage team activities tailored to address the specific needs of individual programs while identifying innovative approaches to both increase the speed with which therapies can get to market while enhancing the value of programs as assessed by alignment with Target Product Profiles (TPPs)
• Work with senior management and executive leadership to define and implement best practices and balance resources across the development portfolio
• Identify and review project issues and facilitate conflict resolution
• Support the formation and execution of the company business strategy, licensing activities, and portfolio management
• Stay abreast on PDT best practices and changing trends in a matrix organization
• Promote a team culture and ensure the Product Development Team and other key contributors operate within Viridian’s mission and values
• Support alliance management efforts with development  

Requirements

•  Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; doctoral level degree (MD, PhD, DVM) preferred.
• MBA or equivalent with significant scientific/medical knowledge or experience can be considered 
• Minimum 10 years of comprehensive drug product development experience, including significant experience in managerial positions leading multidisciplinary global program teams, in the biopharma industry. Rare disease or ophthalmology drug development experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and effectively lead high performing cross-functional teams by modelling and ensuring leadership, accountability, and collaboration behaviors.
• Knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements for product approval and compliance in US and Europe
• Demonstrated accountability for delivery on complex development plans
• Ability to understand and communicate risks, as well as develop and execute contingency plans 
• Demonstrated success as a PDTL in a matrix management environment
• Ability to inspire transformative thinking and motivate employees to achieve quality-based deliverables
• Ability to think creatively, develop and provide innovative ideas or alternatives that create value, including seeking new information and external insights, and execute them in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage ambiguity and make sound scientific and business decisions with limited information 
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders in a complex, changing, environment
• Skilled influential leader and manager. Line management experience preferred
• Experience presenting data to external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, advisory committees and scientific or clinical audiences
• Ability to think creatively and develop and execute in a fast-paced environment
• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational skills 
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills 
• Ability to identify issues, analyze situations and provide effective solutions 
• Solid understanding of the clinical development process 
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and ICH guidance regarding clinical research and GCP
• 10% - 25% travel required.

Viridian Therapeutics offers a flexible working environment. This position can be fully remote or a hybrid work model based out of our Waltham, MA location. 

Viridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

· Remote work with technology tools and infrastructure

· Competitive pay and stock options for all employees

· Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of premiums paid by Viridian for employees and their eligible dependents

· Short- and long-term disability coverage 

· Life, Travel and AD&D

· 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vest

· Employee Stock Purchase plan 

· Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns

· Various mental, financial, and proactive physical health programs covered by Viridian

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, and Local laws.

 Viridian Therapeutics, Inc participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.