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Senior Director, Portfolio Management & Operations

South San Francisco

Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the discovery and development of novel integrin-based therapeutics. Based in South San Francisco, California, Pliant was founded in 2015 to develop therapeutics to modulate specific pathways upregulated or dysfunctional in certain diseases.  Our approach involves developing novel integrin-based therapeutics to treat solid tumors and other diseases. Integrins are a crucial link between a cell's internal structure and its external environment and function in cell signaling, regulation and adhesion as well as wound healing and immune response.

Founded by a team of world-renowned researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, this group discovered key insights into the integrin biology and developed small molecule therapeutics to target this devastating disease process. Launched in 2016 by Third Rock Ventures, a leading healthcare venture capital firm, Pliant has developed an industry-leading proprietary library of over 15,000 integrins that serve as a key driver to its portfolio. We believe our platform may be broadly applicable across multiple disease areas including delivery of drug payloads to cells utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules as tissue-specific delivery and internalization mechanisms. Currently, Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study of PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins, that has shown encouraging clinical activity in the development of a treatment of immune checkpoint resistant solid tumors.

Description

Reporting to the SVP of Development Operations, this role will lead the Portfolio Management and Operations (PMO) function. In addition, this role will serve as the Program Manager of Pliant’s key program(s) including but not limited to PLN-101095 and will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the Global Program Team (GPT) and Clinical Core Team (CCT). For candidates who bring the appropriate blend of experience, strategic capability, and leadership qualities, there is potential to assume the role of Global Program Team Leader (GPTL) for one or more stage‑appropriate programs. In this capacity, this role will act as the primary driver and decision-marker for the program strategy.

Responsibilities

  • Functional Leadership Responsibilities:
    • Leading the PMO function, which includes the scope of Portfolio Management, Program Management and Business Operations.
    • Developing and implementing the standards, processes and tools leveraged by PMO including the framework of engaging the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for endorsement of program decisions.
    • Developing and maintaining all portfolio and program dashboards, reports and project management tools (e.g., decision calendar, program milestones and timelines, decisions & actions log, risk register, agendas, minutes).
    • Leading the portfolio prioritization strategy taking into account the risk / benefit tradeoffs as well as Pliant’s strategic objectives.
    • Working with Research and Pre-Clinical teams to identify potential drug candidates and building a business case to bring them forward to request the initiation of IND or development activities.
    • Leading and facilitating the cross-functional development of detailed budget forecasts for the development portfolio.
    • Serve as primary business partner to Corporate Finance to enable organizational processes such as long-range planning and budget cycles.
    • Leading the vendor selection and negotiation activities as well as developing and implementing a fit-for-purpose governance framework with key vendors.
    • Leading a biweekly organizational leadership meeting (Executive Team and their direct reports) to inform on portfolio and departmental updates.
  • Program Management Responsibilities:
    • Partnering with the GPTL in the development of the program strategy and defining the tactics required to deliver through the GPT.
    • Partnering with the CCT Leader and members to drive the design and delivery of the clinical development plan in alignment with the program strategy ensuring integrated plans, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and decision trees.
    • Playing a central role in seeking and obtaining endorsement of program strategy from the ELT and the Board of Directors (BOD).
    • Responsible for maintaining and ensuring team execution of the development plan for Pliant’s lead program.
    • Partnering with functional leads and representatives (e.g. Clinical Operations, Regulatory and CMC) to achieve program objectives.
    • Operating independently within a matrix environment to guide team members and influence applicable stakeholders to enable the program strategy.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

  • BA/BS with 15+ years (or equivalent combination of education and experience) of biotech/pharmaceutical experience with deep expertise in program and portfolio management is required. Advanced degree preferred (Ph.D., M.S., Pharm.D., MBA).
  • Proven track record in a program management/project management role as part of a research-driven biotech/pharmaceutical company.
  • Experience across all stages of drug development is preferred.
  • Experience in late-stage regulatory filings is preferred.
  • Experience with drug development in oncology is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, driving tactical delivery of programs.
  • Experience with negotiation and conflict resolution, including the ability to influence without reporting authority.
  • Strong understanding of preclinical development, CMC, regulatory pathways, and clinical development fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive‑level presentation skills.
  • Experience with forecasting spend associated with a program’s development plan is preferred
  • Ability to operate in alignment with Pliant’s values and culture.

How you work

  • Dare to Succeed: Challenge assumptions and explore innovative strategies that strengthen scenario planning, risk mitigation, and strategic decision‑making across programs.
  • Make an Impact: Take proactive ownership of program execution, driving timelines, governance, and milestone achievement with urgency to advance high‑value oncology assets for patients.
  • One Pliant: Bring an inclusive, collaborative approach that enables the ability to align cross‑functional research, clinical, CMC, regulatory, and operational teams around integrated program plans and portfolio priorities.

The annual base salary for this role is $270K – $300K. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

 

 

To understand how Pliant complies with and manages your personal information with respect to the California Consumer Privacy Act, please visit https://pliantrx.com/ccpa-applicant-and-staff-privacy-notice/. 

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