Associate Director, Business Strategy & Operations – WCH Development

Biogen•San Francisco, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Business Strategy & Operations will play a critical role in advancing the strategic, operational, and cultural priorities of Biogen’s West Coast Hub (WCH) Development organization. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, Operations & Excellence for WCH, this role serves as a trusted thought partner and execution lead, supporting site-level strategy, communications, and operational excellence aligned with Biogen’s enterprise strategy. This position is designed for a strategic, action-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic, matrixed environment and is motivated by building high-performing teams, strong culture, and scalable ways of working. The role combines strategic planning, operational delivery, and hands-on leadership support to ensure WCH Development continues to operate as a purpose-built, execution-ready development organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science related field required.
8+ years of experience in biotech/pharma, with at least 3 years in project management, strategic initiatives, or business operations.
Experience working with executive leadership.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing senior-level materials.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution.

Nice To Haves

PhD, PharmD, or MD (candidates with advanced degrees may be considered with fewer years of industry experience).
MBA or equivalent business training preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.
Change management, communications, and alliance management experience.
Experience supporting R&D, Development, or scientific organizations.
Experience with designing programs that influence site-level activities in collaboration with leadership.

Responsibilities

Act as a strategic partner to the WCH Head of Strategy, Operations & Excellence, supporting site-level strategy, prioritization, and execution.
Translate strategy into clear operating plans, milestones, and decision-ready materials.
Lead planning and execution for key WCH Development forums (e.g., learning platforms, all-hands, on-sites) under leadership guidance.
Track progress across strategic priorities, proactively surfacing risks, dependencies, decisions, and tradeoffs.
In partnership with the Head of Strategy, Operations and Excellence, deliver change management efforts tied to evolving ways of working, including communications, adoption, and reinforcement.
Shepherd WCH Development–specific business operations initiatives aligned with Development and enterprise strategy in close partnership with the Head of Strategy, Operations and Excellence as well as the Head of Portfolio and Project Management at WCH.
Drive process design, mapping, and continuous improvement to improve clarity, speed, and execution rigor.
Support and evolve Development operating rhythms, planning cadences, and learning forums under the guidance of the Head of Strategy, Operations, and Excellence.
Design practical, scalable solutions that enable Development teams to move faster while maintaining quality and compliance.
Support and advance WCH site leadership priorities, with a focus on how the site operates, collaborates, and builds a strong, intentional site culture.
Help shape and steward the Biogen WCH identity and culture, aligned with enterprise values and Development priorities, in partnership with HR leadership.
Plan and execute site-based events and experiences that strengthen connection, visibility, and engagement (e.g., leadership visits, scientific forums, community-facing events).
Support WCH’s presence in the Bay Area and California biotech/pharma ecosystem, including: Hosting and coordinating local scientific, academic, and industry engagements in close partnership with the WCH Executive Admin team. Supporting site-aligned sponsorships and community partnerships. Pursuing opportunities to connect with academic institutions, industry groups, and public officials in partnership with Corporate Affairs and leadership. Acting as a point of coordination for external-facing site engagements, ensuring alignment with enterprise guidance and local strategy.
Partner with HR to contextualize enterprise people and engagement programs for WCH, as needed.
Working closely with the Head of Strategy, Operations, and Excellence, curate and elevate key Development milestones, stories, and achievements in partnership with enterprise teams and WCH functions.
Support WCH Development external and local engagement strategy, aligned with site and enterprise guidance.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
80 hours of sick time per calendar year
Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
Employee stock purchase plan
Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
Employee Resource Groups participation