Senior Manager, Focus Area Leader (FAL), IM R&D

Johnson & Johnson•Columbia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for leading and directing the Strategic Partnerships and Resource Group’s (SPRG) IM R&D strategy and engagement with senior IM R&D leaders in a matrix environment. The primary focus is on securing, maximizing, and sustaining strategic U.S. federal and state Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) to amplify R&D resources. The position ensures that SPRG, in collaboration with Legal, IP, HCC/Compliance, Government Affairs & Policy (GA&P), Finance, and Procurement, executes PPPs within J&J’s risk framework and U.S. regulatory requirements. While the role is business partner focused and not tied to a geographic region, it serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the team, addressing the growing federal and state PPP environment in the U.S.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech/medical device industry with deep expertise in R&D and/or adjacent domains (e.g., CMC, translational science, clinical development, supply chain enabling R&D).
Proven track record delivering U.S. PPPs and non-dilutive funding with federal and/or state agencies (e.g., NIH, BARDA, ARPA-H, DARPA, DoD/CDMRP, VA, CDC, NIST, NSF) from opportunity shaping through execution.
Knowledge of EU PPP arrangements.
Demonstrated experience meeting with U.S. Government agencies to discuss complex strategic partnerships, including familiarity with mechanisms such as grants, cooperative agreements, CRADAs, OTAs, and contracts.
Strong business acumen with budget ownership and financial stewardship for multi-partner programs.
Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills; ability to translate scientific and technical opportunities into compelling partnership strategies for USG audiences.
Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment.
Experience orchestrating complex, multi-stakeholder programs with clear governance and risk management.
Knowledge of PPP models, U.S. healthcare funding, and compliance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience across Innovative Medicine therapeutic areas and enabling technologies (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular/metabolism; biomarkers; data science; AI/ML).
Experience with consortium governance, IP strategy in multi-party collaborations, and data-sharing frameworks.
Prior experience of collaboration with Government Affairs & Policy and External Innovation/BD to align scientific, policy, and partnership objectives.
Experience engaging with state/regional innovation agencies and life science economic development programs.
Self-motivated and passionate about building relationships and delivering quality results across the organization.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
Strong contracting, analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Impeccable integrity, with emotional maturity and patience.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction for U.S. IM R&D PPP initiatives, federal and state, serving as a valued resource to U.S.-based IM R&D leaders.
Act as the primary SPRG point of contact for senior U.S. IM R&D leaders and external U.S. stakeholders, including federal and state agencies and consortia.
Lead capture strategy, relationship development, and opportunity shaping with U.S. agencies (e.g., NIH, BARDA/ASPR, ARPA-H, DARPA, DoD/CDMRP, DTRA, VA/ORD, CDC, NIST, NSF) and relevant state/regional innovation bodies.
Drive white papers, concept notes, consortia formation, and partnering strategies.
Oversee the end-to-end PPP lifecycle, including opportunity identification, internal alignment, proposal development, submission, negotiation, execution, governance, close-out, and audit readiness.
Navigate and help negotiate complex U.S. mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, CRADAs, OTAs, contracts, prizes/challenges, and research consortia agreements.
Ensure adherence to U.S. federal regulations and policies applicable to PPPs (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, Bayh–Dole Act obligations for IP, and FAR/DFARS where applicable).
Ensure visibility, documentation, and compliance with J&J’s HCC and contracting standards.
Own or contribute to “key account” strategies for priority agencies and funders, maintaining a pipeline view and account plans to drive sustainable, strategic partnerships.
Conduct advanced analyses of U.S. R&D trends, federal appropriations, and agency priorities, translating insights into a proactive PPP pipeline aligned with IM R&D strategy.
Guide colleagues through consultation, mentoring, and collaborative leadership, providing functional (matrix) supervision to elevate PPP capabilities across SPRG and partner teams.
Foster a highly collaborative culture across Grant Experts, Operations/PMO, Legal, IP, HCC, GA&P, Finance, and Procurement to deliver efficient, high-quality outcomes.
Maintain high standards of partner service delivery via regular check-ins with senior U.S. R&D leaders and communicate strategically to bring visibility to SPRG initiatives and outcomes.
Foster a purpose-driven culture aligned with Our Credo, champion inclusion, diversity, and belonging, and model J&J leadership imperatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
Long-term incentive program.
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (may vary by state)
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year