Senior Director, Head of R&D Resource Management

Jazz Pharmaceuticals•US - Home-Based - PA, PA

13d•$228,000 - $342,000•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Director, Head of R&D Resource Management is a strategic leader accountable for defining, scaling, and institutionalizing the global R&D Resource Management vision, strategy, and operating model. This role bridges global Research & Development (R&D) functional lines, drug development project teams, corporate finance, and executive governance committees to ensure optimal allocation of resources and strategic alignment across the therapeutic portfolio. The incumbent will serve as a transformative leader in leveraging cutting-edge analytics, enterprise algorithmic forecasting, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform resource demand forecasting into predictive, data-driven insights. By deploying modern methodologies, including advanced Planisware algorithm design and next-generation Named Allocation workforce planning tools, this leader will establish on-demand data trust, drive functional capacity utilization, and guide executive decision-making across all stages of pharmaceutical development.

Requirements

Deep conceptual and operational understanding of drug discovery, preclinical, clinical trial execution, regulatory submission, and commercialization lifecycles.
Mastery of Planisware enterprise portfolio management software, including algorithm customization, resource driver setup, workload curve modeling, and system integration.
Demonstrated mastery of quantitative business analytics, data visualization platforms (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau), statistical analysis, and practical implementation of AI/ML predictive tools in resource planning.
Hands-on leadership in implementing Named Allocation, capacity planning, and resource management modules within enterprise systems (e.g., Planisware, Anaplan, or Workday).
Outstanding oral and written communication skills with a proven track record of synthesizing complex resource analytics into clear strategic options for senior executive audiences.
Strong change management capabilities, capable of building trust, driving cross-functional process alignment, and transitioning organizational culture toward data-driven decision-making.
Superior ability to navigate matrixed global organizations and build collaborative bridges between technical scientists, operational leads, financial controllers, and executive leaders.
Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Operations Research, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
Minimum of 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology R&D, life sciences management consulting, or clinical operations management.
Minimum of 6–8 years of dedicated, hands-on leadership in enterprise Resource Management, Portfolio Analytics, or Capacity Planning within a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical enterprise.
Proven track record of architecting and deploying enterprise-wide resource management software (Planisware experience required).
Demonstrated experience participating in and driving executive governance meetings, budget prioritization exercises, and multi-year corporate planning cycles.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree (Master’s, MBA, or Ph.D.) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Define & Execute Strategy: Formulate and lead the multi-year strategic vision, roadmap, and operating standards for Resource Management across Research, and Development functions.
Integrated Working Model: Establish and maintain an integrated operational working model connecting Functional Line Management, Global Program Teams (GPTs), R&D Finance, and Governance Committees.
Governance Alignment: Serve as the core authoritative voice for functional capacity, demand trade-offs, and resource bottleneck resolutions during quarterly portfolio reviews, Annual Operating Plans (AOP), and Long-Range Plans (LRP).
AI & Predictive FTE Forecasting: Lead the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning models to enhance Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) demand forecasting accuracy based on historical effort, trial complexities, and portfolio velocity.
Planisware Algorithm Optimization: Oversee the architectural design, calibration, and optimization of Planisware algorithms and resource driver models to dynamically estimate workload based on clinical stage, drug modality, and operational complexity.
Data Integrity & Functional Trust: Build absolute trust and confidence with functional heads through transparent baseline metrics, standardized benchmarking, automated validation checks, and on-demand data access.
Named Allocation Leadership: Sponsor and roll out next-generation workforce management software, specifically leading the deployment of Named Allocation tools to transition the organization from generic FTE estimations to role- and individual-level workforce planning.
Workload Balancing & Bottleneck Resolution: Manage a team that proactively analyzes resource supply versus demand across therapeutic areas to identify functional constraints, skills shortages, and burn-out risks, partnering with functions.
Enterprise Reporting Suite: Own the strategy, design, and delivery of all global R&D resource analytics, dynamic dashboards, executive scorecard metrics, and enterprise portfolio reporting.
Scenario Planning & Options Analysis: Lead quantitative scenario modeling for portfolio prioritization, operational trade-off analyses, budget cuts, pipeline expansions, and business development integration.
Actuals vs. Forecast Analysis: Establish robust processes for capturing timecard/effort actuals and analyzing variance against original forecasts to drive continuous model refinement.
Executive Influencing: Partner with and influence Functional Vice Presidents, Global Program Leaders, and Finance Directors to drive consensus on resource priorities and strategic resource investments.
Team Leadership & Capability Building: Direct and mentor a team of Resource Management specialists and analytical experts, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, customer focus, and operational excellence.