[Hiring] Senior Director, Head of Research & Early Development @Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Role Description

The Senior Director, Head of Research and Early Development Project Management is an executive-level operational and strategic leader accountable for establishing scalable, world-class project management capabilities across Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ growing discovery and early pipeline. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Head of Pipeline and Project Management, this leader will drive process optimization throughout the drug development life cycle from Candidate Drug Nomination through First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials.

This newly created role ensures robust cross-functional project execution across Oncology, Neuroscience, and emerging Rare Disease indications. The incumbent will cultivate high-performing project managers who operate as the operational leaders (“COOs”) of their respective drug programs, institutionalize the Orchestra Team Operating Model, and ensure seamless portfolio continuity into late-stage development. By partnering closely with Chief Scientific Officers, Corporate Strategy, Governance, and Finance, this leader will optimize development cycle times, accelerate pipeline progression, and translate scientific innovation into clinical assets for patients. Additionally, as a player-coach, this leader may personally lead high-priority projects and take on direct hands-on project work as needed to support portfolio capacity and strategic demand.

Qualifications

• Extensive progressive biopharmaceutical industry experience, including extensive direct experience in early drug development (Discovery and Pre-clinical through IND enabling and FIH).
• Proven track record of line-managing, coaching, and developing highly skilled, senior project/program managers.
• Outstanding capability to lead, align, and influence executive-level scientists, C-suite leaders, and scientific governance bodies without direct authority.
• Hands-on experience and professional proficiency with PPM enterprise tools, specifically Planisware, Smartsheet, and Oracle.
• Proven, referenceable track record of optimizing drug development pathways, driving process redesign, and reducing pre-clinical cycle times.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related field required.
• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MS, or MBA) strongly preferred.
• PMP or equivalent professional project management certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Flexible paid vacation.
• Discretionary annual cash bonus or incentive compensation (depending on the role).
• Discretionary equity grants in accordance with Jazz’s Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.