Associate Director, Strategic Operations and Process Improvement

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a motivated and energetic Associate Director level project manager responsible for providing project management leadership to enable execution of cross-functional process building and improvement projects across the Development organization. This position will play a role in helping to establish a centralized function that will drive critical strategic projects, support building a continuous improvement capability that will enable the Development organization to scale as we look to establish key internal capabilities in support of operational excellence in our clinical trials and deliver on the promise of mRNA technology. This role will be responsible to develop strong oversight and execution for projects and initiatives which may include developing a business case and project plan to support internal approval, as well as managing the capability build through implementation. These projects will include key partnerships across our clinical Development functions: Clinical Development, Business Operations and Process Improvement, Clinical Operations, Clinical Supply and Biomarkers, Data Management / Biostats and Programming, Medical Writing, Clinical Study Execution Enablement (start-up, patient recruitment / retention, site engagement), and can include Digital, Commercial, Finance, Safety & Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Quality and more with the critical responsibility of integration across all those processes related to the projects.

The Associate Director will develop timelines, provide oversight, escalation, support the business lead functions within project teams in project planning, implementation planning and drive execution and manage and mitigate risk, and coordinate interdependencies.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Core project-based responsibilities

• Direct multiple complex projects involving internal and external stakeholders and vendors

• Partner with the relevant functional leadership to drive project strategy and execution plan

• Provide and support leadership to projects; be the hub of knowledge and source of truth

• Own the roadmap for one or more high-impact initiatives, from ideation through steady-state operations; create cross functional project plans to ensure clarity of deliverables and timing

• Manage project team meetings to include agenda planning, drive agenda, decision tracking and action follow-up.

• Stakeholder management

• Build relationships with key stakeholders (team members and leadership) to ensure alignment of functional and corporate objectives

• Influence without direct authority across Clinical, TechOps, Digital, Quality, Finance, and external partners—surfacing trade-offs early and driving alignment

• Cross-project integration, process excellence and continuous improvement

• Champion data-driven decision-making, partnering with our digital and analytics teams to embed metrics and automation into process, workflows

• Stand up or optimize process frameworks (e.g., RACI, stage-gates) that enable continuous improvement

• Track, report and facilitate the resolution of issues and risks across several integrated projects

• Support central strategic operations to provide leadership visibility to timing, roadmap, reporting and improving central processes around initiative development

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• BS degree in a scientific field with at least 8 years of experience or MS degree in a scientific field with 4 years of experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting

• PMP certification preferred

• Experience in clinical drug development

• Understanding and experience in GCP and/or GXP environment is preferred

• Proven track record of successful project management experience and knowledge of project management tools/software

• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional programs in business setting, consulting setting and preferred in established development organization

• Must be adept at working in a fluid environment and foster a strong collaborative spirit internally and externally.

• Strong personal skills to influence without authority, motivate others and manage conflict.

• Strong written and oral communication skills as well as demonstrated organizational aptitude

• Demonstrated wins in supporting process design or re-engineering (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar)

• End-to-end digital-implementation experience from the business side (requirements gathering, UAT, change management, and adoption metrics)

• Executive-caliber communication skills— written and verbal; able to distill multifaceted problems into slide narratives and simple frameworks

• Working knowledge of portfolio tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Excel)

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Experience internalizing activities traditionally outsourced to CROs or other vendors

• Familiarity with GxP digital validation and data-integrity principles

• Exposure to mRNA, oncology, or platform-based drug-development environments

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• Location-specific perks and extras

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Our Working Model 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law.  Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

-