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Senior Director, Product Launch Lead VAX-31

San Carlos, California, United States

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance. 
 
WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:
 
*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
 
*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
 
*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
 
*MODEL EXCELLENCE:  The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

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.
Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer
 
Location: Boston, MA or Remote
 
Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
 
Salary Range: $271,000 - $316,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.
 
Relocation: 
This role is eligible for relocation assistance. 
 
#LI-JN1

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

 

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