Executive Director, Strategic Projects Lead

About the role

This position is based in East Hanover, NJ and cannot be done remotely; only local candidates will be considered, and no relocation is provided. Reporting to the VP, Head of US Strategy & Execution, the Executive Director leads the US Strategic Projects team and owns the delivery of the highest-priority non-Reimagining Work US Commercial enterprise projects. The role requires up to 20% travel and works with US LT project sponsors, therapeutic area and functional leaders, and a team of Strategy Engagement Leads and Associates with capacity for four strategic projects per quarter.

Key responsibilities

• Define the US Strategic Projects operating model, engagement intake standards, staffing model, project cadence, stage gates and quality bar.
• Select, scope and mobilize priority strategic projects with sponsors, ensuring a clear problem statement, measurable outcome, decision path and execution owner.
• Lead the portfolio of strategic projects, managing throughput, capacity, risks, dependencies and leadership escalations.
• Guide Directors and project teams through complex, high-stakes work with structured problem solving, data-backed recommendations and cross-functional alignment.
• Turn project outputs into implementation-ready roadmaps, KPIs, owners and governance handoffs.
• Build internal strategy project capability and reduce reliance on external consultants for recurring strategic work.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree (MS and/or MBA) preferred.
• 12+ years in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, enterprise transformation, commercial strategy, strategic operations or large-scale program leadership.
• Proven ability to lead multiple high-profile strategic initiatives in a matrix environment with senior stakeholders and no direct authority over functions.
• Desirable: top-tier strategy consulting, pharma/healthcare strategy, commercial operations, AI/digital or enterprise transformation experience, and experience translating strategy into measurable execution.

Required skills

• Project portfolio leadership
• Executive communication and facilitation
• Problem framing and change navigation
• Business impact orientation

What we offer

• Expected salary of $236,600 to $439,400 per year, with a performance-based cash incentive and possible annual equity awards.
• Benefits including health, life and disability coverage, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a time-off package.