Senior Director, R&D Operational Excellence

Summary

Join Syndax Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Director, R & D Operational Excellence to drive the implementation and execution of strategies that enhance our drug development operating model across people, process, and technology. This role is critical in leading change management efforts, ensuring new initiatives are effectively integrated and executed across the organization.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Strategy & Operations, Operational Excellence, or similar leadership roles in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industry, with a proven track record of strategic planning and driving organizational transformation
• Strong experience with transformation initiatives in a complex R&D environment and knowledge of drug development processes
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a history of motivating high-performing teams
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, adept at addressing complex business challenges with effective solutions
• Formal operational excellence and continuous improvement training, e.g., Lean/Six Sigma, Scrum
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks for multiple stakeholders and build robust relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Financial acumen and experience with modeling tools, analytics, and data-driven decision­ making approaches

Responsibilities

• Act as a thought partner to senior leaders, facilitating and driving the strategic evolution of the drug development operating model and capability roadmap
• Lead large-scale initiatives within the R&D organization and beyond
• Identify, analyze, and act on areas for operational improvement to enhance efficiencies and outcomes, such as streamlining drug development
• Develop approaches to quantify benefits and return on investments
• Integrate operational excellence, continuous improvement, and agile methodologies, such as Lean/Six Sigma, into transformational initiatives
• Develop and apply targeted change management measures and tools, ensuring effective communication across all stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across R&D and enterprise functions, such as HR, Digital (IT), Finance, and external vendors, to identify requirements, facilitate target operating model design/implementation, and ensure seamless integration of technology solutions in our development processes
• Lead and/or support transformational and change initiatives across R&D. Support governance, oversight, coordination, and risk management of all initiatives, ensuring they are aligned, appropriately sequenced, and delivered on time, within budget, and meet their objectives
• Manage and prioritize a portfolio of strategic and operational initiatives according to R&D priorities, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and utilization
• Work closely with key partners, including functional Subject Matter Experts, HR, Finance Leads, and consulting partners. Provide strong leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Set clear goals, provide guidance, and support professional development opportunities for team members
• Develop and deliver programs that maximize the adoption of process improvement and change management measures
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to drug development operating models, business transformation, operational excellence, and change management