Manager, Program Management

Company Description

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of cancer patients by tackling key mechanisms of drug resistance that limit the rate and/or durability of response to existing cancer therapies. Our small molecule drug candidates are directed against an important family of enzymes called kinases, known to be directly involved in the growth and spread of many cancers. We use our deep understanding of kinase biology together with a proprietary chemistry library to purposefully design compounds that maintain kinases in a “switched off” or inactivated conformation. These investigational therapies comprise tumor-targeted agents designed to address therapeutic resistance causing mutations and immuno-targeted agents designed to control the activation of immunokinases that suppress critical immune system regulators, such as macrophages. We have used our platform to develop a diverse pipeline of tumor-targeted and immuno-targeted drug candidates designed to improve outcomes for patients with cancer by improving the quality, rate and/or durability of their responses to treatment.

We offer an outstanding culture and opportunity for personal and professional growth based on these key principles:

• providing a collaborative, energized and fun work environment where people are empowered and supported in the achievement of their career goals
• a diverse and multi-disciplinary workforce
• dedicated and talented people who are passionate about achieving excellence in all they do
• a work environment that allows you to balance your priorities
• above all else, a commitment to the patients we serve

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic Manager/ Sr. Manager, Program Management, to support and drive our clinical programs. You will have the opportunity to utilize your project management skill set to ensure programs are operationally on track, establish best practices for the organization and contribute to special projects. This person will be leveraged as a thought partner for the Program Lead and the functional representatives as we work together to advance our pipeline.

The ideal candidate will effectively balance the need for organization and adherence to timelines with the adaptability required in a fast-paced, growing company. This person will have a demonstrated record of ensuring successful project outcomes by building strong cross-functional relationships, ensuring clear communication, and efficiently managing team resources to achieve a common goal.

This position will report to the Associate Director, Program Management, and will be located in Waltham, MA. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Integrated Development Plan, including activities, resource requirements, assumptions, and key interdependencies in line with development strategy and critical scenarios
• Communicate progress at all levels and escalate critical issues; provide regular status reports
• Identify, define, prioritize and communicate risks to successful activity and program execution; develop and monitor risk mitigation and contingency plans
• Support the Program Leads in setting goals and priorities developing agendas and planning workshops
• Provide team and meeting management, including taking minutes and ensure follow-up of action items from the minutes. Prepare presentations as needed
• Work with Program Leads and Functional Representatives to ensure effective coordination of activities and/or deliverables across functions
• Support development and implementation of PM systems and best practices to ensure consistency and operational effectiveness within and across functions and programs
• Reinforcing or supporting team operating principles, team building, ensuring effective and high performing team
• Serve as an internal consultant providing ad-hoc analysis and decision support as required, including on special projects
• Supporting management of internal governance and decision-making processes

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 1-4 years of R&D and/or drug development project management or cross-functional team leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• Self-directed, accomplishment-driven individual with a strong sense of passion and urgency who can work both independently and in a cross-functional team environment
• Proven success working in cross-functional teams with strong scientific and knowledge of the Drug Development Process and fosters open communication, mutual understanding and cooperation
• Track record of collaboration, stakeholder relationship management, and influencing key decision makers
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented thinker who possesses a “can do” and “whatever it takes” attitude, coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of and skill with project management, spreadsheet and database management software/tools
• Ability to leverage broader perspectives and connect the major elements of drug discovery and development to proactively identify opportunities and provide options/solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and ability to manage team dynamics
• Demonstrated success with handling multiple projects and able to handle complexity and prioritize effectively
• Must be motivated, creative, energetic and adaptable, responding constructively to challenging new ideas, information and situations
• Demonstrated ability to operate successfully in a fast-paced, dynamic and complex environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing and commercializing drugs for oncology and/or orphan diseases is preferred
• Project management certification by a recognized project management organization (e.g. PMI, IPMA) is preferred
• A degree in an engineering or life sciences discipline or M.B.A. in operations management is highly desired

Additional Information

What Deciphera will Bring:

Deciphera offers competitive compensation, including equity-based compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

• Non-accrual paid time off
• Summer vacation bonus
• Global, company-wide summer and winter shutdowns
• An annual lifestyle allowance
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Internal rewards and recognition program
• Munch and learns
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life and Supplemental life insurance for family 
• ESPP offering
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account for either health care and/or dependent care.

Deciphera (NASDAQ: DCPH) is a publicly traded company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Our state-of-the-art research facility is located in Lawrence, Kansas and our European operations are run out of Switzerland.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

Deciphera is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity. To ensure that we comply with reporting requirements and to learn more about how we can increase diversity in our candidate pool, we invite you to voluntarily provide demographic information in a confidential survey at the end of this application. Providing this information is optional. It will not be accessible or used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment. This information will also be treated confidentially. Our commitment to increasing diversity in our candidate pool does not affect our commitment to equal employment opportunity, including our ongoing commitment to make all hiring and other employment decisions solely on a nondiscriminatory basis.