Senior Program Manager, Vadadustat (8R-26)
Cambridge, MA

Job Description

The Senior Program Manager will play a critical role in supporting Akebia's lead development program (vadadustat) through Phase 3 development and ultimately launch. This individual will be part of a team of project managers in the PMO working on the vadadustat program as well as supporting other company-wide initiatives. This individual will work closely with cross-functional vadadustat Global Program Team (GPT) to ensure robust program planning of across the line functions which will take the product successfully from regulatory filing to commercialization. He/she will track progress against the program plan and goals working closely with cross-functional colleagues. She/he will responsible for driving effective communication across the organization and to internal stakeholders. She/he will also directly interact with our external partners. The ideal candidate will have a scientific background and experience with clinical-stage drug development.

Required Skills

* Provide leadership, coordination, and cross-functional communication to ensure achievement of program goals and timelines.
* Implement program management tools and templates to facilitate effective planning and communication.
* Manage program timelines and work with the team to identify/define resource needs.
* Manage GPT sub-teams as needed.
* Manage GPT operations (scheduling meetings, sending agendas, defining meeting objectives, preparing minutes, and following-up with team members on critical action items).
* Support the development of regular risk assessments and risk mitigations plans.
* Maintain program-related documentation (including the MS project plan, decision log, risk register and key risks mitigation plan) and ensure appropriate archiving and access to shared information and critical program documents.
* Implement/pilot tools/technology within Program Management, or the GPT to enable collaborative work and improve efficiency.
* Lead the development of the integrated project plan (timeline, milestones, deliverables) in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.
* Ensure timely, accurate and comprehensive project information is available for governance meetings and/or for wider R&D communication.
* Play a critical role in helping the team identify project risks, understanding their impact and implementing mitigation strategies.
* Drive day-to-day performance oversight through the execution of the project plan and interpretation of dashboards, enabling in-depth discussion, holding team members accountable for functional delivery of plans.
* Facilitate effective decision making by coordinating project team meetings with clear agendas, crisp meeting materials to track issues/actions/decisions.
* Communicate across functional and leadership levels to inform project status and risks, as well as elevate issues, present recommendations and implement modifications to project plans.

Required Experience

* Bachelors' degree. Program or Project Management certification a plus.
* 6+ years of relevant Program or Project Management experience in the Biotech-Pharma industry.
* Experience in late-stage drug development and large, global clinical development programs required.
* Ability to drive decision-making and accountability in a cross-functional environment through strong influence and leadership skills.
* Strong problem-solving skills and an excellent attention to detail.
* Highly motivated and a strong team player who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
* Ability to effectively balance multiple priorities.
* Strong communication and relationship building skills, including the ability to interface across functions within Akebia as well as with external partners.
* Ability to manage projects and team members in a matrix environment.
* Strong analytical and technology skills, including proficiency in project planning tools, content management tools, and the Microsoft Project.
* Strong presentation skills.

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for patients with kidney disease. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com

Akebia Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all job applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Job Location Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

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