Director, Portfolio Development Operations Lead

CSL•Waltham, MA

1d•$230,000 - $270,000•Hybrid

About The Position

CSL is transforming its R&D organization to accelerate innovation and create greater impact for patients. With a streamlined, project-led structure and a focus on collaboration, we're building a future-ready team that excels in dynamic biotech ecosystems. Joining CSL now means being part of an agile team committed to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference worldwide. The Director, Portfolio Development Operations Lead will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the SVP, Portfolio Development, shaping functional priorities, driving strategic planning, and ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives. This role will lead the operational rhythm of the PD organization, enabling effective governance, disciplined execution, and high-performing leadership team dynamics. Acting as Chief of Staff, the role ensures seamless alignment across priorities, drives operational efficiency, and strengthens communication and engagement across the function. Combining strategic initiative leadership, operational execution, and executive coordination, the role supports the effective functioning of the PD Leadership Team. It drives key strategic initiatives, and translates complex portfolio insights into clear, actionable strategies to support decision-making and achievement of corporate goals.

Requirements

A scientific degree paired with an MBA is preferred.
A solid understanding of the drug discovery and development pipeline is essential.
8+ years of cross-functional experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or top-tier management consulting.
Proven ability to lead, influence, manage, and motivate others in a complex, multi-functional matrix environment.
Strong business acumen and ability to translate strategic priorities into operational outcomes.
Proven experience managing complex programs or projects in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Trusted advisor to senior leaders, with executive presence and strong influencing skills.
Demonstrated ability to organize, lead, and execute across diverse teams and initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the SVP, PD, shaping functional priorities, identifying organizational risks, and ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives.
Lead annual and long-term strategic planning, aligning scientific and business goals while identifying opportunities for synergies, efficiencies, and resource optimization.
Oversee the rhythm of business, including leadership team operations and governance processes (e.g., PRISM, IDC), ensuring structured preparation, effective decision-making, and disciplined follow-through on actions.
Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks, triaging potential bottlenecks and escalating issues as needed.
Drive continuous improvement across PD through data-driven insights, standardized processes, and operational rigor to enhance efficiency, execution, and organizational effectiveness.
Lead and optimize the PD Leadership Team operating model, including agenda setting, prioritization of critical topics, and tracking of key actions and decisions.
Ensure consistent execution of core processes such as goal setting, KPI tracking, quality metrics, budget management, and talent development in partnership with Finance and HR.
Provide clear, timely reporting on progress against strategic priorities and performance metrics to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Support the preparation of executive-level materials, including Board and CSLB leadership updates, ensuring a high standard of clarity, synthesis, and insight.
Act as a central liaison between the SVP, PD, PD LT, and broader R&D and enterprise leadership, ensuring clear, concise, and timely communication of priorities, decisions, and risks.
Lead development of executive communications, translating complex scientific and operational data into compelling, decision-ready materials, presentations, and updates.
Coordinate key internal and external engagements, including PD town halls and leadership communications, ensuring aligned and consistent messaging.
Strengthen cross-functional collaboration across PD (Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Biometrics, Therapeutic Areas) and with enterprise partners (Regulatory, Commercial, POE, Business Development), bridging gaps and driving alignment across initiatives.
Maintain an integrated view of PD activities through a master calendar of meetings, milestones, and key deliverables, ensuring coordination with broader R&D and Commercial priorities.
Collaborate with POE, Finance, and PD functions to optimize resource allocation across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and enterprise objectives.
Support high-priority, cross-functional initiatives and programs, ensuring clear objectives, strong execution, and measurable outcomes.
Apply structured project management and change management methodologies to drive transformation initiatives, governance or process alignment across PD, enhance team performance, and strengthen organizational cohesion and culture.