Associate Program Director, Dravet

Biogen (Switzerland) seeks an Associate Program Director for the Dravet program in Baar, CH. This full-time manager role leads cross-functional strategy and execution for Zorevunersen.

The company is looking for a hands-on leader to drive the execution of key program strategy and cross-functional activities for the Dravet (Zorevunersen) initiative. This individual will serve as a central connector within the cross-functional PDC team, collaborating closely with diverse partners across the organization to prepare for a potential global launch.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the PDC Lead to convert asset strategy into a detailed, integrated program plan, ensuring alignment among clinical, regulatory, medical, access, and commercial teams.
• Conduct scenario planning and trade-off analyses to support strategic decisions, incorporating external factors such as competition, regulatory changes, and advocacy insights.
• Coordinate across core functions including Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical and Patient Engagement, Market Access, Commercial, and CMC/Supply to ensure clear accountability and milestone delivery.
• Oversee the preparation of the Disease Area Strategy Plan (DASP) and support the communications team with external milestones, PR, earnings preparation, and internal updates.
• Provide oversight on device integration to ensure these workstreams align with the overall asset strategy.
• Identify and resolve cross-functional gaps or misalignments to maintain program momentum.
• Manage the integrated development and operating plan, including timelines, critical paths, milestones, deliverables, and resource/budget assumptions.
• Track performance, drive high-quality execution, and lead risk management through identification, mitigation, and escalation of key program risks.
• Lead program governance in partnership with the PDC Lead, including preparing PDC and sub-team forums, structuring decision frameworks, and clarifying decision versus information topics.
• Maintain decision logs, action tracking, and governance discipline, ensuring transparent escalation of risks and decisions.
• Act as a central connector across a complex global matrix, influencing senior stakeholders in R&D and Commercial without direct authority.
• Foster a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team environment with clear roles, decision rights, and ways of working.
• Embed patient-centric thinking into program planning by integrating insights from patient advocacy groups, key opinion leaders, and clinical experts.
• Ensure the program addresses the urgent unmet need in Dravet syndrome and remains externally informed throughout development.

Requirements

• Five or more years of experience in drug development and commercialization, with strong business acumen and an executive perspective.
• Demonstrated analytical and leadership skills, including a creative, problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to quickly identify key priorities, align strategic and tactical plans, and influence and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to navigate the organization and interact with individuals at all levels.
• Experience in establishing and managing effective external collaborations, including familiarity with contractual, financial, and compliance considerations.
• Strong project leadership and project management skills, including scoping project goals and stakeholder planning.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in a Product Development & Commercialization organization, Global Medicines Development, or a cross-functional R&D/commercial team.
• Experience with rare diseases and launch preparation.

What the company offers

• The company provides the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.
• The team includes talented and passionate achievers who have opportunities for learning, growth, and skill expansion.
• The company is committed to a culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where it operates and the patients it serves.

About the company

Biogen (Switzerland) operates as a mid-sized biotechnology company with a global team committed to excellence and a pioneering spirit. The company works together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in its mission. It values diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to drive innovation and focuses on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired.

• Global team with a commitment to excellence and a pioneering spirit.
• Mid-sized biotechnology company providing stability and resources.
• Collaborative effort to deliver life-changing medicines.
• Valuing diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives for innovation.
• Building empowered and inspired teams.