Exec Director, PDM Product Strategy Leader

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Executive Director, PDM Product Strategy Leader

Company: Gilead Sciences

Location: Foster City, CA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing Operations / Product Strategy

Date Posted: August 04, 2026

Experience Level: 14+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads strategic cross-functional teams responsible for the technical and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) aspects of assigned pharmaceutical products throughout their entire lifecycle, from early development to end-of-life.

• Translates overarching business strategies and drug development visions into actionable Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing (PDM) plans, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with enterprise-wide prioritization principles.

• Develops and owns comprehensive product technical plans, including detailed timelines, multi-year budgets, and critical deliverable milestones, overseeing process, analytical, and formulation development, alongside regulatory, supply chain, and quality strategies.

• Acts as the primary PDM representative on Gilead Asset teams, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, influencing decision-making, and ensuring technical perspectives are integrated into strategic product plans.

• Drives portfolio-level decisions to optimize resource allocation and maximize value, leveraging external insights and competitive trends to enhance product robustness and PDM objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for translating high-level drug development strategies into tangible PDM execution plans. The emphasis on cross-functional leadership, technical oversight, and strategic portfolio management positions it within the senior operational leadership tier of the pharmaceutical industry. The inclusion of ADCs (Antibody-Drug Conjugates) suggests a need for specialized technical understanding in a complex and rapidly evolving therapeutic modality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the PDM representative on Gilead Asset teams, translating business strategy and drug development vision into executable PDM plans.

• Proactively identify and communicate technical issues, options, and concerns to strategy teams, influencing decision-making and strategic direction.

• Develop and ensure the successful delivery of process, analytical, and formulation development activities, as well as CMC regulatory, supply chain, and quality strategies.

• Own and manage the product technical plan, encompassing timelines, multi-year budgets, and critical deliverables from First-in-Human (FIH) through commercialization.

• Oversee end-to-end plan design, execution, and risk identification/mitigation activities across all PDM functions, including Technical Development, CMC Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality.

• Maximize learnings across the assigned product portfolio, focusing on strategic planning, identifying efficiencies, and capturing lessons learned for continuous improvement.

• Make critical decisions to guide the product team or escalate issues to appropriate PDM governance mechanisms for resolution.

• Ensure clear and timely communication to senior leadership regarding product activities, deliverables, timelines, and resource utilization across the enterprise.

• Drive portfolio-level decisions to optimize resource utilization and maximize overall value and impact.

• Translate external insights, including competitive and commercial trends, into PDM objectives that enhance product robustness.

• Participate in the PDM Product Strategy Leaders community, contributing to ongoing strategic coaching and skill development.

• Coach and mentor junior PDM Product Strategy Leaders, early-career scientists and engineers, and other product team members to foster their growth and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning, operational execution oversight, and people leadership. The emphasis on "end-to-end plan design, execution and risk identification and mitigation" points to a strong focus on process management and operational excellence within the PDM function. The expectation to "maximize learnings across the assigned portfolio" indicates a mandate for driving efficiency and knowledge sharing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or technical field.

• Master's degree (MA/MS), PhD, PharmD, or MD may reduce the experience requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 16 years of directly relevant professional experience with a BA/BS.

• A minimum of 14 years of directly relevant professional experience with an MA/MS, PhD, PharmD, or MD.

• Demonstrated track record of outcome-oriented team leadership in one or more of the following areas: pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain, quality, CMC regulatory, process development, or as part of a cross-functional product team within the broader pharmaceutical industry. Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Ability to translate high-level business objectives into detailed PDM execution plans, manage timelines, and ensure delivery of critical milestones.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven experience leading and influencing diverse, cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment without direct authority, particularly within asset teams and across PDM functions.

• CMC & Technical Development: Deep understanding of process, analytical, and formulation development activities, as well as CMC regulatory, supply chain, and manufacturing strategies.

• Portfolio & Project Management: Expertise in managing a portfolio of products, including budget development, resource allocation, and risk identification/mitigation.

• Decision Making & Accountability: Comfort and capability in making impactful decisions, taking responsibility, and driving resolutions for complex issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Specialized Modality Expertise: Strong expertise in Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), biologics, and/or small molecule development and manufacturing.

• cGMP Manufacturing & Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and regulatory requirements for biologics and/or small molecules.

• Business Acumen & Strategic Thinking: Strong business and strategic skills, with the ability to convert high-level product goals into a coherent plan for prioritized PDM activities.

• Coaching & Mentorship: Excellence in coaching and mentoring scientists and engineers across various functional areas, fostering talent development.

• Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex situations, articulate strategic paths, and facilitate discussions leading to resolution.

• Adaptability & Ambiguity Tolerance: Ability to work efficiently and independently in a dynamic, changing environment, and effectively handle ambiguity and uncertainty.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 14-16 years of experience with a science/technical degree indicates a senior leadership role, likely reporting to a VP or higher. The emphasis on "outcome-oriented team leadership" and "influencing skills to effectively lead in a highly matrixed environment without direct authority" are key operational leadership competencies. The specific mention of ADCs points to a specialized area of expertise valued by Gilead.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Technical Plan Ownership: Demonstrated ability to develop, own, and deliver comprehensive technical plans for assigned products, including timelines, multi-year budgets, and critical deliverables.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Experience in designing, executing, and risk-mitigating end-to-end processes across PDM functions (Technical Development, CMC Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality).

• Learning & Optimization Frameworks: Proven ability to maximize learnings across a portfolio of products, identifying and implementing strategic planning efficiencies and incorporating lessons learned.

• Decision-Making Governance: Experience in making relevant decisions to direct product teams or escalating and steering decisions through appropriate governance mechanisms.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to translate business strategy and drug development vision into PDM plans, ensuring consistent application of enterprise-wide prioritization principles and integrating technical perspectives.

• Lifecycle Management Processes: Expertise in managing technical and CMC aspects of products from early development through to end-of-life, ensuring alignment with core product strategy and milestones.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Accountability for clear and timely communication to senior leadership on product activities, deliverables, timelines, and resources, demonstrating efficiency and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific system requirements aren't listed, the role's focus on "process, analytical, and formulation development activities along with regulatory, supply chain, and quality strategies" implies proficiency with systems that manage R&D pipelines, project portfolios, and regulatory documentation within a GxP environment. The expectation to "develop and own the product technical plan including timelines, multi-year budgets and critical deliverables" suggests familiarity with advanced project and portfolio management tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $302,005.00 - $390,830.00 Annually

Benefits:

• Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance.

• Paid time off.

• Discretionary annual bonus.

• Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role).

• Access to comprehensive benefits information via the Gilead careers website.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard for full-time roles, though flexibility may be expected given the senior nature of the position).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $302,005.00 - $390,830.00 for an Executive Director role in Foster City, CA, aligns with senior leadership compensation in the biopharmaceutical industry in a high cost-of-living area. This range suggests a significant level of responsibility and expertise is expected. The inclusion of discretionary bonus and stock-based incentives is standard for executive-level positions, reflecting performance-based rewards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biopharmaceutical / Biotechnology

Company Size: Gilead Sciences is a large, established global company with over 10,000 employees, operating in more than 35 countries. This scale implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: 1987, indicating a long history of innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the VP of PDM Product Strategy, placing it within a senior leadership team focused on strategic product development and manufacturing.

• The PDM Product Strategy Leaders are described as a team with diverse technical or business backgrounds, suggesting a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach.

• This role involves leading "strategic cross-functional teams" and acting as the "PDM representative on the Gilead Asset teams," requiring significant collaboration with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality functions. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires translating business strategy and drug development vision into PDM plans, implying a reliance on data to inform technical decisions and strategic direction.

• Process Optimization & Efficiency: Emphasis on developing end-to-end plans, maximizing learnings, and driving portfolio-level decisions for optimal resource use highlights a commitment to operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of technical and CMC risks are core responsibilities, indicating a robust risk management framework is in place.

• Collaborative Execution: The role necessitates leading and influencing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve product milestones.

Company Website: https://www.gilead.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Gilead's long history and large size suggest a structured environment with well-defined processes, but also potential for significant impact due to the scale of operations. The emphasis on diverse backgrounds within the PDM Product Strategy team indicates a culture that values varied perspectives in problem-solving and strategic planning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Executive Director. This level signifies senior leadership, responsible for strategic direction, significant team management, and substantial impact on product development and commercialization. It is a critical step towards VP-level roles.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the VP of PDM Product Strategy. This provides high visibility to senior leadership and direct mentorship from an executive.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and profound impact on the success of Gilead's therapeutic products by ensuring their technical and manufacturing viability, regulatory compliance, and efficient supply throughout their lifecycle. It bridges the gap between scientific innovation and market availability, directly contributing to Gilead's mission of creating a healthier world.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to VP-level roles within PDM or related strategic functions within Gilead, managing larger portfolios or broader operational areas.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to further specialize in complex modalities like ADCs or expand expertise across multiple therapeutic areas and product types.

• Mentorship & Coaching Development: Developing leadership skills through coaching and mentoring junior team members, enhancing people management capabilities.

• Strategic Influence: Increased influence on enterprise-wide product strategy and operational decision-making, shaping the future direction of Gilead's product pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: An Executive Director role at a company like Gilead is a significant career milestone, offering exposure to executive-level decision-making and strategic portfolio oversight. The growth paths are clearly defined towards higher leadership levels within operations and R&D strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Foster City, CA. This implies a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration and team interactions.

Office Location(s): Foster City, California, a hub for the Bay Area's biotech and pharmaceutical industry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires constant interaction with cross-functional teams (Asset teams, PDM partners), suggesting a highly collaborative workspace designed for team meetings, brainstorming, and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and utilization of advanced project management, portfolio management, data analytics, and communication tools are essential for managing complex PDM strategies and product lifecycles.

• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities to engage with colleagues, PDM partners, and senior leaders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours) with the expectation of dedication to meet project deadlines and strategic objectives, which may occasionally require extended hours. The nature of the role involves managing complex timelines and critical deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Foster City, CA, places the role within a major biotech cluster, offering networking and collaboration opportunities. The description implies a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that necessitates strong organizational skills and proactive communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the resume and application by HR and a hiring manager to assess alignment with minimum qualifications and key skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on leadership experience, strategic thinking, and specific examples of managing complex product lifecycles and cross-functional teams. Emphasis on problem-solving and influencing skills.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Regulatory, Manufacturing, R&D) to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate technical perspectives.

• Executive/VP Interview: Final-stage interview with the VP of PDM Product Strategy or other senior leaders to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight achievements in your portfolio that demonstrate tangible outcomes – successful product launches, significant process improvements, cost savings, risk mitigation successes, or effective team leadership.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies showcasing your ability to develop and execute comprehensive technical/CMC plans. Structure these around a problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken (including cross-functional collaboration), and the measurable results.

• Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Be ready to present quantitative data that supports your contributions. Focus on metrics relevant to PDM: timeline adherence, budget management, yield improvements, quality metrics, regulatory submission success, and cost-effectiveness.

• Modality Specifics: If applicable, showcase experience with ADCs, biologics, or small molecules. Detail your understanding of the unique challenges and strategies associated with these modalities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Scenario Questions: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical product development challenges or strategic dilemmas. Focus on demonstrating your structured approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, and decision-making.

• Leadership & Influence Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you've handled difficult team dynamics, influenced senior stakeholders, or managed conflicting priorities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice clearly articulating the key projects and achievements in your resume and portfolio. Be ready to dive deep into the specifics of your most impactful contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role, the interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, leadership impact, and the ability to manage complex, cross-functional operations. A strong portfolio showcasing quantifiable achievements in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Portfolio Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana, or specialized pharma portfolio management systems for planning, tracking, and reporting on product development timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel for analyzing complex datasets related to process development, manufacturing yields, quality metrics, and budget performance.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for seamless communication and collaboration with global, cross-functional teams.

• Document Management Systems: Systems for managing critical PDM documentation, regulatory submissions, and quality records (e.g., LIMS, EDMS).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Software: Tools like SAS, R, or specialized statistical packages for analytical method development, process validation, and data interpretation.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: For creating dashboards and reports that track key performance indicators (KPIs) for product development progress, budget adherence, and operational efficiency.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales/marketing role, understanding of how CRM data might inform demand forecasting or supply chain planning could be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with automation principles in process development, manufacturing, or quality systems to drive efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a role of this caliber in a biopharmaceutical company heavily relies on sophisticated project and portfolio management software, alongside data analysis and visualization tools. Experience with systems managing GxP data and regulatory documentation is highly probable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity (Doing What’s Right): Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of product development, manufacturing, and regulatory interactions. This is paramount in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Inclusion (Encouraging Diversity): Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to better decision-making and innovation within technical and strategic teams.

• Teamwork (Working Together): Emphasizing collaboration across PDM functions and with broader asset teams to achieve shared goals and overcome complex challenges.

• Excellence (Being Your Best): Driving high performance, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering life-changing medicines through rigorous scientific and operational standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Leadership: A primary collaboration style involves leading and influencing diverse teams where direct authority may be limited, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration is essential with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless product development and commercialization.

• Stakeholder Management: Regular engagement with senior leadership, asset team members, and external partners to ensure alignment and drive progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gilead's core values are strongly aligned with the ethical and collaborative demands of the pharmaceutical industry. The emphasis on "Integrity" and "Excellence" is critical for a role overseeing product development and manufacturing. The "Teamwork" and "Inclusion" values support the cross-functional nature of the position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Modalities: Managing the technical and CMC intricacies of diverse product types, particularly advanced modalities like ADCs, requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Matrixed Environment Influence: Effectively leading and influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority requires strong interpersonal and strategic communication skills.

• Balancing Portfolio Demands: Juggling the strategic planning, budget management, and execution oversight for multiple products with competing priorities and timelines.

• Ambiguity & Uncertainty: Operating effectively in a dynamic environment where scientific, regulatory, and market landscapes are constantly evolving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Modality Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like ADCs, biologics, or small molecule manufacturing through internal resources, external courses, or conferences.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Gilead's leadership training and mentorship programs to enhance strategic thinking, people management, and executive presence.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving CMC, regulatory, and manufacturing best practices through industry forums, professional organizations, and continuous learning.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of other critical functions within Gilead through close collaboration and potential rotations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle cutting-edge pharmaceutical development challenges while growing leadership capabilities. The company's commitment to employee development suggests robust resources for skill enhancement in both technical and leadership domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business strategy into an executable PDM plan. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on strategic translation, planning, and execution.)

• "How have you managed a portfolio of products with competing priorities and limited resources? What was your approach to prioritization and budget allocation?" (Demonstrate portfolio management, financial acumen, and decision-making.)

• "Walk me through your experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment. How do you ensure alignment and drive decisions when you don't have direct authority?" (Highlight influencing, communication, and leadership in complex structures.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Gilead's core values of Integrity, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Excellence align with your own professional philosophy and how would you embody them in this role?" (Showcase cultural fit and understanding of company ethos.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and coaching junior scientists and engineers to foster their development and contribution to the team?" (Assess people leadership and development skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on the current trends in ADC development and manufacturing, and how would you leverage external insights to optimize our PDM strategy?" (Gauge industry awareness and strategic foresight.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project in your portfolio, use the STAR method: Situation (the context), Task (your objective), Action (what you did, emphasizing leadership and cross-functional collaboration), and Result (quantifiable outcomes and impact).

• Quantify Your Impact: Use specific metrics related to timelines met, budgets managed, efficiency gains, quality improvements, or successful regulatory milestones.

• Highlight Strategic Contributions: Emphasize how your work contributed to the overall product strategy, business objectives, and Gilead's mission.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss complex challenges you faced and how you developed innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust operational leadership, and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing processes. Be ready to provide specific examples that align with Gilead's values and the core responsibilities of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Gilead Careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in strategic leadership, cross-functional team management, CMC regulatory, pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain, process development, and portfolio management. Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Examples: Select 2-3 key projects from your career that best exemplify your ability to lead technical and CMC aspects of product development, manage budgets, mitigate risks, and influence cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss these in detail, using the STAR method.

• Research Gilead's Pipeline: Familiarize yourself with Gilead's therapeutic areas, key products, and recent news, particularly in areas like oncology and virology, and any publicly available information on their ADC pipeline.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common leadership, strategic, and operational questions, and be prepared to articulate your approach to managing complex product lifecycles and driving PDM excellence.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.