About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, headquartered in Foster City, California, is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered breakthroughs in treating life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Operating in more than 35 countries, Gilead's innovative therapies have transformed patient lives globally, from groundbreaking HIV treatments like Biktarvy to oncology advancements and novel solutions for inflammatory conditions. As a mission-driven organization, Gilead fosters collaboration, determination, and a relentless pursuit of scientific innovation.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Head of PDM Strategy, reports to the Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing (PDM) Strategy & Operations. Based in Foster City, California, this senior leadership role involves directing a team to craft enterprise-focused strategies for PDM. You will provide strategic clarity to leaders, drive key initiatives, and replace external consulting with internal expertise. This position is ideal for seasoned strategists passionate about biopharma manufacturing, supply chains, and sustainability, offering a chance to shape Gilead's future in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory disease therapies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Network Development

Develop, revise, and maintain PDM’s network strategies across clinical and commercial manufacturing. Codify existing approaches, establish operating principles, and create new strategies aligned with business needs.

Leadership in Analysis and Initiatives

Support the PDM Leadership Team with cross-functional strategic initiatives and decision-making. Lead an internal consulting team for strategic analysis and option evaluations, reducing reliance on external firms.

External Consulting Management

Manage high-value engagements with external consultants, including scope definition, RFPs, vendor selection, and oversight for projects up to $1M.

Risk and Intelligence Functions

Define a PDM risk management process integrated with Gilead's enterprise standards. Establish a business intelligence and competitive intelligence function, conduct benchmarking, and monitor industry trends impacting PDM.

Sustainability and Trend Scanning

Build a sustainability strategy for PDM aligned with Gilead’s goals. Scan Gilead and industry environments for geopolitical, supply chain, and technological trends.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s/PhD/MD with 12+ years. Candidates must have 3+ years at a top-tier consulting firm or equivalent in biopharma manufacturing strategy. Extensive biotech/pharmaceutical experience is essential, with demonstrated cross-functional collaboration, leadership, and deep segment knowledge. Strong business acumen, team leadership in strategy delivery, coaching skills, and relationship-building across enterprises are critical. Expertise in multinational supply chains, geopolitical factors, and influencing without authority is required, alongside a bias for action in ambiguous environments.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead offers a premium compensation package, including a competitive salary estimated at $350,000-$500,000 annually, performance bonuses, and equity. Comprehensive benefits encompass medical, dental, vision coverage, generous 401(k) matching, and wellness programs. Employees enjoy flexible work options, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement. Gilead’s commitment to inclusion provides employee resource groups, mental health support, and volunteer opportunities.

Career Growth

As a people leader at Gilead, you’ll drive cultural evolution and empower teams. This role offers visibility to executive leadership, opportunities to lead multimillion-dollar initiatives, and professional development through coaching and training. Gilead invests in talent, with paths to higher VP roles and global impact on therapies for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Why Join Gilead

Join Gilead to make a direct impact on life-changing medicines. Collaborate with top scientists tackling HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Enjoy a supportive culture emphasizing inclusion, development, and bold ambitions. In Foster City, you’ll thrive in an innovative hub driving biopharma forward.

Role FAQs

What experience is required?

15+ years with Bachelor’s or 12+ with advanced degree, plus consulting or biopharma strategy background.

Is relocation support available?

Gilead provides relocation assistance for key roles like this.

What is the team structure?

You’ll lead a multi-disciplinary team of strategy professionals.

How does this role impact Gilead’s mission?

By optimizing PDM strategies, you ensure reliable supply of therapies for HIV, oncology, and more.

Is hybrid work possible?

Yes, Gilead supports flexible hybrid arrangements in Foster City.