Executive Director, Statistical Programming

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

1d

About The Position

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together. Job Description Reporting to the Head of Biometrics, the Executive Director of Statistical Programming leads the Statistical Programming function within Biometrics and oversees Statistical Programmers across all Therapeutic Areas (TAs). The ideal candidate should bring a proven track record of functional leadership and strong strategic judgment in deploying innovative tools, including modern AI‑enabled solutions. The candidate should also have deep experience designing and managing a scalable, hybrid resourcing model that effectively integrates internal teams with external partners. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate excellence in people leadership and organizational development.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Deep knowledge of the drug development process, regulatory expectations, and industry standards for programming, data structures, and reporting.
• Proven ability to supervise people leaders at multiple levels; ability to delegate, coach, and provide feedback and career development opportunities.
• Ability to provide Statistical Programmers with structured frameworks for decision making and guide consistent and high-quality execution.
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills in complex situations; ability to prioritize the most important aspects of an issue.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives within Statistical Programming and implement infrastructure or process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Ability to integrate planning efforts with cross functional partners to ensure organizational effectiveness; ability to influence decision making.
• Ability to advise senior leadership on programming strategy, functional needs, and technology modernization.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field with 16+ years of relevant industry experience in Statistical Programming supporting biopharmaceutical data.
• Extensive experience with SAS® and industry standard programming tools; experience in modern analytics platforms, automation, or AI environments preferred.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and overseeing an offshore or hybrid resourcing model, including effective oversight of global external programming teams.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large Statistical Programming groups and contributing to NDAs/MAAs or other regulatory filings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Biometrics Statistical Programming function supporting all TAs.
• Provide strategic inputs and technical expertise to enable scalable, efficient, and consistent Statistical Programming workflows and to strengthen collaboration across all TAs.
• Partner and collaborate with Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Clinical Development, Global Patient Safety, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure aligned and timely analytic and reporting deliverables.
• Oversee operational execution of Biometrics Statistical Programming activities through effective management of internal and external resources, ensuring clear accountability and quality oversight.
• Anticipate emerging workload and resource needs; identify capability gaps early; develop staffing plans and allocate internal/external resources according to priorities and development strategies.
• Negotiate project timelines across programs with competing priorities; manage limited resources to deliver high-quality programming outputs on schedule.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, WRKs, BEDs, departmental standards, validation practices, and regulatory expectations, promoting consistent compliance across all TAs.
• Ensure the scientific and technical integrity of programming deliverables, fostering a culture of accuracy, reproducibility, and data-driven decision making.
• Provide clarity on expectations for Biometrics Statistical Programmers across all TAs, including delegation, decision-making, and communication frameworks.
• Empower them to exercise sound judgment, adopt best practices, and contribute proactively to planning and execution.

Benefits

• This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
• Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees