Summary:

Vaxcyte is seeking a Senior Director, Launch Lead, VAX-31, to lead strategic planning and execution of the company’s first launch of VAX-31. This role will coordinate cross-functional activities from late-stage development through market entry, ensuring readiness across supply chain, regulatory, medical affairs, commercial operations, communications, and other functions. The position will partner with senior leadership to define launch strategies, manage timelines, mitigate risks, and drive alignment across internal and external stakeholders to deliver successful product introductions globally.

Essential Functions:

• Drive cross functional launch delivery of VAX-31 and oversee integrated launch plans.
• Ensure alignment with corporate objectives and market requirements.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive launch readiness frameworks, including working with supply chain, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory approvals, labelling, distribution, and commercial execution.
• Partner with Commercial, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, Market Access, and Scientific Affairs teams to ensure seamless coordination and timely decision-making.
• Facilitate cross-functional launch meetings, track critical milestones, and proactively identify risks and contingency plans.
• Drive post-launch performance tracking and lessons learned to inform future launches.
• Champion best practices in pharmaceutical launch project management, including governance models, risk registers, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Requirements: 

• BA/BS in life sciences, engineering, or business; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 15 years in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years in launch related project management or product marketing/management; vaccine launch experience strongly preferred.
• Ensure adherence to project scope, budget, and schedule; ensure the alignment of the project to corporate strategic direction, resource allocation, and management decision-making.
• Facilitate team meetings, cross-functional communication, and decision-making; ensure alignment with internal and external stakeholders, program and project teams and functional area partners.
• Support continuous improvement efforts in Project Management practices at Vaxcyte.
• Proven track record of leading successful product launches in multiple markets. Expertise in cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, and risk management for complex launches.
• Strong understanding of regulatory pathways, supply chain logistics, and market access considerations.
• Thorough understanding of product development activities in biotech/drug/vaccine development, including key interdependencies, and knowledge of proven development strategies and tactics.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and strategic leadership skills.
• Demonstrated aptitude for successfully managing multiple projects, of varying complexity, within the specified guidelines, timeframes, and budgets.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently, deal with ambiguity, and execute.
• Expert planning and tracking skills, well-organized, focused on results, capable of managing multiple projects with respect to priorities and self-management.
• Proven influence management and communication skills, at all levels of the organization.
• Expert knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.