Sr. Director - Immunology Portfolio Strategy and Operations

Position Overview

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly is a global healthcare leader dedicated to discovering and delivering life-changing medicines while putting people first. The Immunology Research Portfolio Strategy and Operations Lead will oversee the strategic and operational execution of the immunology discovery and early clinical portfolio. This role manages portfolio review meetings, aligns strategic priorities, coordinates communications with diverse stakeholders, and collaborates with research and clinical leaders to optimize project execution and resource utilization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operations of portfolio strategy, including both internal and external innovation, and organize Immunology portfolio review meetings on a bi-weekly and bi-annual cadence.
• Organize agendas, Teams/SharePoint sites, and communications with project teams, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment and communication of strategic priorities with external partners.
• Oversee project execution in alignment with discovery TPP and TA budget.
• Collaborate with Immunology research and clinical leaders to develop and refine strategies for B, T, and innate cell therapies, along with special projects.
• Work closely with Discovery Leadership and project teams to define and update quarterly objectives and strategies.
• Support the New Target Validation leader on processes and operations for project assessment and decision-making.
• Facilitate brainstorming on project execution strategy and tactics while optimizing project resourcing.
• Assist External Innovation with research plan development for collaborations.
• Lead assessments of portfolio effectiveness and risk while recommending actionable steps.
• Act as a key liaison among science teams, research enablement, translational medicine, bioinformatics, early clinical development, and cross-functional partners.
• Assist with preparations for portfolio updates and investor calls.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS and/or PhD in immunology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies (5+ years required with a PhD).
• Experience in creating and executing target product profiles for new therapeutic molecules with expertise in at least two autoimmune disease areas (e.g., dermatology, rheumatology, inflammatory bowel diseases, or respiratory conditions).
• Proven ability to lead strategy workstreams and drive teams and leadership to achieve successful project outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of drug discovery and development in immunology and autoimmunity, including regulatory and commercial considerations.
• Expertise in scientific principles related to novel target discovery across therapeutic modalities such as biologics, small molecules, and genetic medicines.
• Demonstrated expertise in T, B, or innate immune cell biology through publications.
• Experience in preclinical data package generation supporting IND submissions.
• A strong record of publications and/or patents in developing hit to candidate stage molecules for autoimmune diseases.
• Skilled facilitator capable of aligning diverse opinions to achieve common objectives.
• Self-motivated with a blend of scientific curiosity, business acumen, and an enterprise mindset.
• Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and propose proactive solutions.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Anticipated wage of $166,500 - $268,400 with eligibility for a company bonus based on performance.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefit program including company-sponsored 401(k), pension, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid time off, and well-being initiatives.
• Location options include San Diego, Indianapolis, or Boston.
• Occasional travel may be required (fewer than 5 trips per year).