Director/VP R&D Portfolio Finance

Job Title:
Director/VP R&D Portfolio Finance

Overview:
Are you a strategic finance leader with a passion for innovative pharmaceutical and biotech development? We are seeking a dynamic Director or Vice President of R&D Portfolio Finance to drive financial strategy, portfolio management, and investment decisions for a cutting-edge organization committed to advancing life sciences. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to collaborate with senior leadership, shape company-wide R&D priorities, and implement scalable processes that maximize pipeline value. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a proven track record in managing complex R&D portfolios, this is your chance to make a significant impact in the future of healthcare.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience leading financial components of pharmaceutical or biotech R&D programs and portfolio management
• Expertise in portfolio prioritization, governance, scenario development, resource allocation, and investment evaluation
• Ability to challenge clinical, operational, regulatory, CMC, and commercial assumptions with sound financial analysis
• Strong track record in developing portfolio decision frameworks, including probability-weighted scenarios and risk-adjusted economics
• Executive presence and proven ability to facilitate difficult investment and prioritization discussions with senior leadership
• Experience implementing scalable portfolio processes and governance models
• Proficiency with financial modeling, scenario analysis, and portfolio reporting tools
• Partnering experience with Commercial or Business Development teams is highly desired
• Systems familiarity: Adaptive Insights, Smartsheet, Excel; knowledge of other planning or portfolio tools is a plus

Nice to Have Skills:

• Experience with clinical trial forecasting, milestone-based funding, and scenario analysis
• Knowledge of regulatory and commercialization pathways
• Ability to influence decision-making at the executive level
• Experience in healthcare strategy, competitive analysis, and asset valuation

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of relevant experience in biotech/pharma R&D finance or portfolio management, including leadership roles
• Prior experience working in fast-growing biotech or pharmaceutical companies, supporting R&D investment decisions

Other Requirements:

• Location: Hybrid (preferably 2 days/week onsite in South SF, with flexibility for remote work)
• Travel: Minimal; as required for stakeholder engagement
• Start Date: ASAP
• This position reports to the CFO and will work closely with senior leadership, portfolio teams, and finance partners

This role offers the chance to shape the future of healthcare innovation through strategic financial leadership. If you are a collaborative, strategic thinker with a passion for biotech innovation, we invite you to apply.