Job Summary

About IDEAYA Biosciences: IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small‑molecule drug discovery, structural biology and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first‑in‑class targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease. We have built a deep pipeline of product candidates focused on synthetic lethality and antibody‑drug conjugates, or ADCs, for molecularly defined solid tumor indications. Our mission is to bring forth the next wave of precision oncology therapies that are more selective, more effective, and deeply personalized with the goal of altering the course of disease and improving clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. When you're at IDEAYA, you will be in the midst of brilliant minds working on precision medicine therapies to help cancer patients. We are passionate and committed about being on the forefront of oncology medicine, which means we all have a high internal drive that is at the very core of every person at IDEAYA. We are inquisitive, ask deep questions, and are data‑driven innovators who like to collaborate and use team work to move science forward.

Location: South San Francisco, CA.

Position Summary

IDEAYA is seeking a Vice President, Program and Portfolio Management (PPM) who will lead and is accountable for both Medical Writing and the Program Management departments at IDEAYA. This department leader provides strategic direction and operational oversight for all documentation, project management excellence, and project execution across IDEAYA’s portfolio— in collaboration with cross functional teams within the broader clinical development function to ensure an integrated approach, governance, regulatory compliance, high quality, and timely delivery of materials for drug development and submissions. This role combines scientific expertise, leadership, attention to details, rolling up your sleeves, and process management skills to lead the development and execution of integrated project plans for preclinical, clinical, and regulatory programs, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and aligned with corporate objectives. The Vice President, PPM will build and lead a high‑performing team, drive cross‑functional collaboration, and serve as a key partner to R&D leadership, Clinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, and external partners. This position is based in our South San Francisco headquarter offices and required to be onsite four days per week per our company policy. Reporting to: Chief Development Officer.

What you’ll do

Strategic Leadership. Define and execute the project management strategy for IDEAYA's oncology portfolio, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and therapeutic area priorities. Lead portfolio governance, including risk assessment, critical path management, and resource allocation across multiple programs. Serve as a key member of the R&D leadership team, influencing pipeline prioritization, investment decisions, and go/no‑go recommendations. Champion operational excellence and continuous improvement across project delivery, leveraging best practices from biotech and pharma.

Operational Excellence. Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of oncology programs from preclinical through regulatory approval and commercialization. Develop and maintain cross‑functional integrated project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource plans, risk mitigation strategies, and quality oversight. Ensure timely achievement of program milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and resolving issues that could impact timelines or budgets. Lead resolution of escalated delivery issues and ensure robust risk management across the portfolio. Standardize and implement project management tools, methodologies, and templates to drive consistency and efficiency.

Ability and willingness to perform in IDEAYA’s working‑leader environment where all leaders are expected to demonstrate strategic leadership, role modeling our company values, demonstrating collaboration and teamwork, and rolling up your sleeves on day‑to‑day deliverables.

Team Leadership & Development. Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing team of project managers and coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Develop scalable staffing models and succession plans to support portfolio growth and evolving business needs. Provide coaching, performance management, and career development for direct and indirect reports.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration. Partner closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, CMC, Biostatistics, Data Management, Medical Affairs, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless execution. Facilitate effective communication and decision‑making across project teams and functional leaders. Serve as the primary liaison with external partners, including CROs, CDMOs, and academic collaborators, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables. Must fit our IDEAYA culture and be a true team player – authentic, humble, professional, and inspirational leadership skills that build a positive team spirit to galvanizes high performance.

Financial & Budget Management. Oversee project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met through regular review of costs, resources, and vendor spending. Work with Finance and Business Development to support proposal development, pricing strategies, and budget forecasting for new opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Management. Serve as executive sponsor for key collaborations and partnerships, building strategic relationships with external stakeholders. Lead governance meetings with partners and provide senior‑level program updates to the executive team and Board of Directors.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MS) in life sciences, oncology, or related field preferred.
Minimum 12–15 years in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with at least 8–10 years in project management leadership roles, including direct oversight of oncology clinical development programs.
Proven track record of successfully leading cross‑functional teams through IND submissions, pivotal trial execution, and/or NDA/BLA filings.
Expertise in oncology drug development, clinical trial design, regulatory pathways (FDA, EMA), and ICH/GCP guidelines.
Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and resource optimization.
Demonstrated leadership in building and developing high‑performing teams in a fast‑paced, matrix environment.
Experience with ADCs, immuno‑oncology, or targeted therapies.
Prior experience in a small‑to‑mid‑sized biotech or pharma with portfolio complexity and limited resources.
Experience managing both internal programs and external CRO/vendor partnerships.
Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Veeva, and/or equivalent project management software) and data systems (EDC, CTMS).

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and ability to balance short‑term execution with long‑term portfolio planning.
Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple high‑priority projects simultaneously.
Strong leadership presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to distill complex project status into clear executive summaries.
Proactive problem‑solving and ability to anticipate risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborative mindset and commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
All employees are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including IDEAYA’s Code of Conduct.
Employees must demonstrate good judgement and ethical behavior in all business activities, maintain patient and product safety as a top priority, and report any suspected violations of law or Company policy through appropriate channels.

Total Rewards

Medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents)
401k
ESPP
Wellness programs

The expected salary range for the role of Vice President, Program and Portfolio Management is $308,000 - $380,000.

Equal Opportunity & Employment

The Company complies with all laws respecting equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against applicants with regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, and local law.

All employees are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including IDEAYA’s Code of Conduct. Employees must demonstrate good judgement and ethical behavior in all business activities, maintain patient and product safety as a top priority, and report any suspected violations of law or Company policy through appropriate channels.

This position requires you to work onsite in the office at the Company’s facilities for training & meetings, with work‑from‑home flexibility, and the Company requires that all employees working in its facilities be fully vaccinated (except as required by applicable law). Therefore, this position requires you to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons, and/or as otherwise required by applicable law. The Company considers you fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since you received either the second dose in a two‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine series or a single‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine. The vaccine must have been FDA approved, have emergency use authorization from the FDA, or, for persons fully vaccinated outside of the U.S., be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please get in touch with us at

At IDEAYA we believe in the importance of on‑site presence by all team members as an essential ingredient to effective collaboration. Our hybrid approach to work at IDEAYA includes all staff being on‑site four days per week in the office, and one day per week working from home.

IDEAYA Company Values: Passionate Commitment Fearless Innovation Courageous Integrity Respectful Teamwork Objective Decision‑Making Empowered Accountability

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IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. Project Manager Jobs

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