Functional Project Manager, Integrated CAR-T platform - Leiden (NL)

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class small molecules, CAR-T therapies and biologics in oncology and immunology. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized, point-of-care CAR-T manufacturing network, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are looking for a Functional Project Manager, Integrated CAR-T platform in Leiden (The Netherlands).

Scope of the job

As a PMO, we leverage functional project managers to accelerate critical path activities across multiple areas. This role emphasizes Functional Project Management within our Integrated CAR-T platform, particularly focusing on CMC. You'll collaborate with the CMC Leader to oversee the project team, drive execution of the development plan, and foster a culture of success.

Your role

• Facilitate CMC project plan for the Integrated CAR-T platform, including ownership of the creation and updating of the integrated CMC plan, scenario planning, budget/forecast, and risk management activities, in close collaboration with the CMC Leader and the entire CMC and regulatory team. Initial focus will be on pivotal readiness plan.
• Ensure CMC plan connects well to an integrated plan that accounts for clinical demand and existing S&OP planning
• Focus on addressing critical path activities, anticipate potential bottlenecks, create contingency plans and track variance
• Implement lean and efficient project teams by ensuring the right team activities are taking place at the right moment with the right people (including ad-hoc members)
• Manage project team meetings to drive outcomes, i.e. develop meeting agenda and objectives, facilitate discussions, document and follow up on decisions and action items
• Champion a culture that fosters a high functioning team, driving an accelerate-to-patient mindset
• Ensures communication of project status to the CAR-T project teams and other project stakeholders (as appropriate)
• Navigate project governance for the project team, i.e. championing the project governance model, enabling and facilitating timely decision making as per the project governance model
• Be an ambassador for Galapagos as it relates to demonstrating leadership and exemplifying behaviors in line with the Galapagos values
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and strive to continuously improve project management best practices within the R&D PMO and Galapagos
• Adhere to Policies and Procedures and ensure timely completion of relevant training
• You report directly to the Head of Strategic Business Improvement, PMO.

Your working relationships:

• In this role you build strong relationships with the CMC leader, the CMC teams, the project teams and their respective leads.
• You collaborate with peers and staff of the R&D PMO, in particular with other functional PMs and PMLs. You build strong partnerships with other functional organizations within development at Galapagos.
• You are a close partner to the Head of CAR-T Technical Operations and build strong relationships with other critical functional heads across Development, Regulatory, Quality and Supply Chain

Who are you?

• Bachelor of Science degree or Masters degree in Business both with relevant experience in Pharmaceutical/Biologic product development
• 7+ years experience in drug development project management including relevant functional experience. Multi-company experience is desirable.
• Experience in CMC development, more specifically CAR-T CMC development is strongly preferred
• Project Management certification highly desired
• Strong interpersonal skills and solid experience in cross functional team leadership, including stakeholder management, change management, etc.
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders within and beyond PMO, CMC and across Development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and preferably in Dutch
• Embraces and promotes the Galapagos values and culture
• Based in Leiden, the Netherlands

What’s in it for you?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!