Welcome Back

Google icon Sign in with Google
OR
I agree to abide by Pharmadaily Terms of Service and its Privacy Policy

Create Account

Google icon Sign up with Google
OR
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Instagram
youtube
Facebook

Senior Director, Drug Development Portfolio Manager

Icon
ICON
10+ years
Not Disclosed
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
1 May 7, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Remote Education: Minimum: Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Medicine, Neurology, Psychology, or related field. Preferred: MD, DO, or PhD. Skills:

 

Senior Director, Drug Development Portfolio Manager

Company: ICON plc
Job Title: Senior Director, Drug Development Portfolio Manager
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Work Mode: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Clinical Research / Drug Development
Experience Required: 10+ Years
Program Management Experience: 5+ Years in Pharma/Biotech


Job Overview

ICON plc is seeking a highly experienced Senior Director, Drug Development Portfolio Manager (DDPM) to lead complex cross-functional drug development programs from pre-clinical stages through commercialization. This senior leadership role focuses on strategic portfolio management, integrated project planning, governance oversight, budget management, and operational execution across global pharmaceutical development initiatives.

The selected candidate will collaborate closely with Asset Strategy Leads, clinical development teams, regulatory functions, finance stakeholders, and executive leadership to ensure successful delivery of drug development milestones aligned with corporate objectives.


Key Responsibilities

Drug Development Portfolio Management

  • Manage end-to-end drug development programs across:
    • Pre-clinical development
    • Clinical development
    • Regulatory phases
    • Commercialization stages
  • Develop and maintain integrated cross-functional project plans.
  • Align development strategies with organizational and portfolio objectives.
  • Monitor timelines, milestones, risks, budgets, and resource allocation across programs.

Strategic Planning & Governance

  • Establish detailed project lifecycle plans with proactive risk management.
  • Lead governance and operational review discussions with stakeholders.
  • Drive decision-making frameworks for operational excellence and portfolio optimization.
  • Communicate project accelerations, delays, and critical risks to leadership teams.
  • Implement mitigation strategies and corrective action plans when required.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

  • Collaborate with:
    • Clinical Development teams
    • Regulatory Affairs
    • Finance departments
    • R&D leadership
    • PMO teams
    • External stakeholders
  • Translate corporate strategies into actionable project plans.
  • Promote strong collaboration, accountability, and high-performing team culture.
  • Support cross-cultural and global project management initiatives.

Project Management & Operational Excellence

  • Advocate for project management best practices including:
    • Risk mapping
    • Lessons learned tracking
    • Governance frameworks
    • Process optimization
  • Utilize advanced project management tools and reporting systems.
  • Co-create dashboards and reporting frameworks with business process teams.
  • Conduct budget variance analysis and financial planning support activities.

People Leadership & Team Development

  • Mentor and support project team members and junior managers.
  • Collaborate with HR on:
    • Team development
    • Engagement initiatives
    • Team-building activities
  • Promote inclusive leadership and positive team dynamics.
  • Support professional growth aligned with organizational strategy.

Required Qualifications

Educational Qualification

Required:

  • Advanced degree such as:
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD
    • Equivalent qualification in a health-related discipline

Preferred Educational Background

  • Life Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Biotechnology
  • Clinical Research
  • Drug Development
  • Healthcare Management

Experience Requirements

Mandatory Experience

  • Minimum 10+ years of experience in:
    • Drug development
    • Pharmaceutical R&D
    • Clinical development programs
    • Cross-functional portfolio management

Program Management Experience

  • Minimum 5+ years of program management experience in:
    • Pharmaceutical companies
    • Biotechnology organizations
    • Global or cross-cultural project environments

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in:
    • Regulatory Affairs
    • Clinical Development
    • Portfolio Governance
    • Global R&D operations
  • Prior people management or leadership experience preferred.

Freshers Eligibility

  • This role is not suitable for freshers.
  • Senior-level pharmaceutical and drug development leadership experience is mandatory.