Executive Director, Global Program Lead CAR-T

Own the global development strategy that carries a new generation of in vivo CAR-T therapies from first-in-human to patients worldwide.

Our client is a global, commercial-stage cell therapy company and a pioneer in CAR-T. Its approved therapy for a hematologic cancer is used in markets around the world, and its pipeline is expanding into solid tumors and next-generation in vivo CAR-T. With integrated research, development, and manufacturing capabilities across multiple regions, the company pairs a proven commercial foundation with platform-defining science.

As Global Program Leader, you will own the end-to-end development strategy for one or more of the company's highest-priority in vivo CAR-T programs, serving as the single point of accountability for each asset from early development through registration. This is a strategic asset-leadership role: the focus is on shaping asset strategy, driving early clinical development, and leading cross-functional and matrix teams through influence rather than administering day-to-day program logistics. Reporting to the President of Research and Development, you will have enterprise-wide visibility and meaningful influence over how a transformative platform reaches patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list represents the major duties of the role and is not all-inclusive. The successful candidate may be asked to perform related duties beyond those described here.

Asset Strategy and Program Leadership

• Own the overall development strategy and execution for one or more in vivo CAR-T programs across the full lifecycle, from IND-enabling work through clinical proof-of-concept, late-stage development, registration, and lifecycle management.

• Serve as the single point of accountability for program success, key deliverables, timelines, budgets, and milestones.

• Develop and maintain integrated global development plans that align scientific, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial objectives.

• Drive portfolio decision-making by weighing benefit-risk profiles, competitive dynamics, development options, and investment priorities.

Clinical Development and Registration

• Lead the design and execution of global clinical development and registration strategies, prioritizing speed to proof-of-concept and pivotal development.

• Partner closely with Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs to shape efficient development pathways and guide major health authority interactions.

• Ensure readiness and alignment for INDs, CTAs, and BLA/MAA submissions, as well as lifecycle-management activities.

Cross-Functional and Matrix Leadership

• Chair Global Program Teams and lead across Research, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, CMC, Quality, Manufacturing, Commercial, Finance, and Business Development.

• Advocate for the resources and budget each program needs, influencing senior stakeholders without relying on direct authority.

• Establish clear governance, decision frameworks, and accountability across matrix and dotted-line relationships.

Portfolio, Governance, and Risk

• Present program strategies, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and governance committees.

• Lead development scenarios, investment analyses, milestone recommendations, and portfolio reviews.

• Drive proactive risk management and contingency planning throughout development.

External and Organizational Leadership

• Represent the company with external partners, collaborators, investigators, and key opinion leaders, and support business development and diligence related to in vivo CAR-T.

• Build a high-performance, patient-focused program culture, and mentor program-management and cross-functional colleagues.

Qualifications

The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role successfully.

Required

• An advanced scientific or medical degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) 

• 10+ drug development experience in biotech/pharma industry

• Strong early-stage clinical development experience, spanning first-in-human through pivotal studies.

• Demonstrated asset or program leadership, including having led a cross-functional program team across multiple functions.

• Oncology and/or hematology development experience.

• Development experience that extends beyond small molecules, with exposure to biologics and/or other advanced modalities.

• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence, including the ability to advocate for resources and budget within a matrix organization.

Preferred

• Experience in cell and gene therapy, CAR-T, or in vivo genetic medicines.

• Lymphoma development experience.

• Experience across both smaller biotech and larger organizations.

• Global or multi-region program leadership across matrixed teams.

• Late-stage development and registrational experience.

Nice to Have

• An immunology background.

• MBA and/or PMP certification.

Engagement and Location

• Structure: Full-time, permanent, direct-hire position.

• Location: New Jersey. 
• Travel: Up to approximately 25%.

Compensation: $340,000-385,000 plus a target annual bonus, long-term incentive eligibility, and a new-hire equity grant.

The total package offered will be commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

About the Search

This search is being managed by Summit Strategic Search on behalf of our client. This is a full-time, permanent position where the successful candidate will be hired directly by the end client.

Equal Opportunity Commitment: Summit Strategic Search and our client are equal opportunity partners. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Accommodations and Support: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. If you require assistance, please contact us at admin@summitstrategicsearch.com. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and provide all employees with dedicated reporting channels to ensure a safe, professional work environment.

Selection and Onboarding: As this is a direct-hire role within a regulated industry, the end client's standard hiring protocols apply. This includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive background check and drug screening prior to the start of employment. All hiring decisions are made solely by the end client.