Senior Project Leader (Drug Development)

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are looking for an experienced scientific expert with clinical or project management experience to join our Centre for Drug Development (CDD). CDD is the world's only charity-funded drug development facility. Our pioneering research is driven purely by the goal to see scientific breakthroughs bring benefits to patients sooner. CDD is the sponsor of early phase and precision medicine oncology Phase I clinical trials. Our broad portfolio rivals that of a medium-sized pharmaceutical company, spanning antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines, drug conjugates and small molecules, making this an interesting and dynamic area to work in.

It is an exciting time for CDD as we’re expanding our teams to move forward with an ambitious new strategy to maximise the impact of our research to benefit patients. Sitting within our Study, Project and Portfolio team, this role will join approximately 10 Project Leaders that manage all CDD projects spanning the entire life cycle of clinical trials, such as DETERMINE, the first UK national precision medicine trial in rare cancers. Working on around 2 projects each, they use their project management and clinical expertise to guide the project from early phase through to close.

Operating in a matrix management structure, duties include developing project plans, managing budgets, guarding the timeline as well as harnessing the strategy and having strategic oversight. As a Senior Project Lead, you will deliver a subset of projects/programmes within the CDD portfolio that have significant priority and broad alignment with the wider strategic interests of Cancer Research UK’s vision to beat cancer. You will also take on line management of approximately 5 members of the team, with development and pastoral responsibilities.

If you come from a Drug Discovery background and have leadership skills gained either through line management or matrix management then we would love to hear from you. In return, this is a great opportunity to work in a multifaceted role, working with a range of different teams/functions, driving projects with a focus on phase 1 – first in human clinical trials. Furthermore, we actively encourage our colleagues to celebrate our science, by attending conferences, presenting posters, giving talks at events and publishing papers. We will also support you with your professional development through training courses and certifications (such as Prince2).

What will I be doing?

• To be responsible for defining and driving the overall strategic direction of projects/programmes ensuring that this aligns with the needs of key stakeholders, both external and internal.
• Accountable for the delivery of projects within the CDD portfolio by working with the Senior Research Manager (SRM) for Clinical Study Managers (CSMs), Project Leaders (PLs) and functional group heads to ensure that projects are developed to a defined scope, on budget, on time and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• To lead a small team of Project Leaders, building and maintaining a high performing team that aligns with the standards and expectations of the wider PL group.
• Identify the training needs for the PLs and effectively use mentoring and coaching to foster strong individual and team performance.
• Working with the SRM to ensure the continuous review and improvement of systems, skills, processes and procedures.
• Working with the PLs, plan resource requirements across the projects/programmes.
• Working with the SRM, effectively communicate with CDD heads & managers to achieve best working practice between the PL team and their key interfaces.
• When necessary and called upon to do so, actively contribute to the Study, Project & Portfolio Management (SPPM) leadership team.
• To build and maintain relationships with pharma, biotech, stakeholders and other third-party customers to create a positive profile of the CDD including collaboration with high profile scientific and academic personnel.

What are we looking for?

• PhD qualification or equivalent in a relevant discipline, or relevant multidisciplinary clinical or project management or line management experience gained in a drug development capacity.
• Proven people management and leadership skills through line or matrix management experience.
• Proven ability to oversee and advance a portfolio of clinical assets, developed through extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
• Proficient in the use of MS Project and other project and clinical study management tools, skills and practices.
• Able to effectively manage budgets and work with finance on forecasting.
• Proven ability to work with stakeholders at all levels and in particular to forge effective working and productive working relationships within teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to challenge diplomatically and appropriately.
• Has proven experience, understanding and knowledge of drug development.
• Good strategic, logistical, planning and financial management skills.
• Demonstrates integrity in the workplace.
• Detailed knowledge of GCP, and the UK & European clinical research environment would be beneficial.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination.
• Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism.
• Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.
• Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.