Chief Financial Officer

Lyell Immunopharma • South San Francisco, CA

5h

About The Position

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response. We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.
At Lyell, our vision is to develop curative cell-based immunotherapies for solid tumor cancers. We have innovative science originating from our founder’s world class labs and a unique and disruptive approach to research and development. Our company is first and foremost focused on understanding the science. We are a learning organization, dependent on deep collaborative relationships between all of our colleagues, partners and founders. Our culture is based on Respect, Science, Courage and Collaboration and it reflects who we are and the environment we are creating.
The Chief Financial Officer is an integral member of, and serves as a key strategic partner to, the Lyell Leadership Team (“LLT”), providing leadership, advice and perspective on significant business and financial decisions. S/he will be responsible for the development and execution of the finance strategy to support the Company’s goals and vision, and for completing business development transactions to advance the business. The CFO will also play a lead role in positioning Lyell externally while providing input, advice and perspective on all significant business decisions. The CFO will be a strong voice in the setting of strategic and operating plans, particularly as it relates to the financial profile of the Company. The CFO will lead the financial operations and ensure that the leadership and the Board of Directors (“Board”) have a clear understanding of operating performance and risks as it relates to all budgeted and forecasted goals.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader who demonstrates sound business judgment, financial leadership, while instilling best practices supported by analysis, data and metrics. He/she will bring a high level of intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence with a track record as a strong leader. The proven ability to work with and communicate with his/her peers across all functions (Research, Clinical Development, Information Sciences/IT, Technical Operations/Supply Chain, Business Development, Legal, People Team, etc.) is essential.

Requirements

• At least 15-20 years of experience in finance, with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership, ideally in a multi-faceted, growth-oriented company. Experience within the life sciences sector is required, and relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices and exposure to established, well run, complex companies, ideally including recent leadership within a company that has developed new life sciences products. A high degree of financial literacy and knowledge of the value-drivers in biopharma product development, and ability to integrate this with other disciplines to develop creative and impactful strategic plans, will be essential.
• Experience as a business and thought partner to senior leadership teams, with the ability to build effective peer and senior relationships, influence key business decisions and track performance against key objectives. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong influencing skills, with an ability to work effectively with external stakeholders, as well as with internal colleagues.
• A track record of financing biopharmaceutical development, for example, through leadership experience in a biopharma company, an investment bank, or an institutional investment firm. A professional network that includes direct relationships with equity analysts, public company investors, and investment bankers is highly valued.
• A track record of structuring, negotiating, closing and integrating innovative business development transactions, preferably in a biopharmaceutical company, both as an individual and as the leader of others responsible for business development activities. A professional network that includes relationships with business development professionals, investment bankers, attorneys and other advisors is highly valued.
• Significant experience and reputation as a leader and manager, both within the finance function and with functional peers.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• High ethical and moral standards; unquestioned integrity.
• Outstanding intellectual ability, with judgment that reflects reasoned and creative business views.
• Effective leader of others and ability to mentor/develop team members
• Collaborative and team-oriented leader with high self-awareness and commitment to iterative learning and development
• Effective communicator, verbal and written, strong interpersonal skills
• A broad-minded and practical business-minded individual who can grasp the impact of financial and operating decisions to the overall strategy

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree, especially an MBA, CFA, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Finance:Lead the development and implementation of a corporate finance strategy that ensures access to capital to advance the Company’s vision, ensure financial flexibility, and enhance its financial position. Evaluate, select and obtain the appropriate mix of equity, debt and other financing sources, potentially including a public listing of equity. Develop relationships and credibility with partners, including auditors, bankers, outside counsel, tax experts and other advisors.
• Financial Strategy:Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and other members of the LLT. Contribute actively to the development and execution of Lyell’s corporate strategy and strategic and business plans across functions and programs. Together with the LLT, evaluate current and future operating plans to maximize shareholder value.
• Financial Management:Develop and implement financial reporting and analysis systems that enable the Board, LLT, project and functional leaders, to effectively manage the company’s finances. Lead the budgeting process, long-range financial planning and valuation processes, and ad hoc analyses as required to support the business. Support key Board activities, including the work of the Audit Committee. Participate in the 401k Committee and Compensation Committee.
• Finance Operations:Lead, manage and direct the Company’s finance operations, including accounting operations, payroll, audit, financial regulatory filings, tax and treasury. Ensure the integrity, efficiency and compliance of all financial controls, policies and systems. Deliver high-quality services to colleagues across the Company. Collaboratively with LLT colleagues, develop and manage the roadmap for the Company’s financial systems. Potentially assume the Procurement function and responsibilities.
• Risk Management:Ensure that the LLT and Board have a clear sense of the financial health and potential risk areas for the company. Lead the Company’s insurance program, ensure prudent risk policies and exposures, and establish a balance sheet management and forecasting discipline.
• Business Development:Working closely with the SVP, Business Development, envision and structure from a financial perspective, innovative transactions consistent with the Company’s strategy, including collaborations (academic and industry), partnerships, equity positions, acquisition targets, company spin-offs, etc.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead the team that supports the financial and accounting responsibilities that meet the Company’s current and future requirements. Lead, develop and coach members of the team in a manner that is consistent with Lyell values, improves business practices, and attracts and retains superior talent.
• Financial Communications / Investor Relations:Communicate the Company’s vision, strategy and objectives to employees, physicians, patients, collaborators, the financial community and other stakeholders. In partnership with Lyell’s communications lead, develop a financial communications strategy, annual plans and tactics, manage and implement internal and external communications activities. Build and maintain relationships and effectively represent the Company’s interests with shareholders, financial institutions and investment analysts. Serve as a key spokesperson to the investment community, positioning the Company in a compelling way to stakeholders while ensuring transparent, compliant communications.
• Education:Develop and lead internal efforts to educate Lyell employees on financial matters, including the Company’s current and potential equity programs.

Benefits

• Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect.
• Our paid time-off benefits currently include Flex Time off, sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday.
• We also have a winter office shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive