Associate director, nonclinical and translational strategy & operations

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) is a new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation. Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

Description of Role

The Nonclinical and Translational Strategy & Operations role will support the planning, execution, and coordination across all programs and operational initiatives. This role partners closely with leaders in toxicology, DMPK, clinical pharmacology, and cross-functional program management to drive alignment, operational rigor and effective communication. The role combines strategic planning, operational coordination, metrics/reporting, and cross-functional communication to help deliver department work product in a fast paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development and maintenance of integrated departmental timelines aligned with broader program objectives
• Partner with cross-functional program leads and PM(s) to build, and monitor integrated nonclinical and translational plans including scope, timing, deliverables and risks
• Maintain dashboards, project plans, finance/resource tracking tools, and operational metrics to support visibility and decision-making
• Communicate status, risks, and progress on departmental initiatives and deliverables, in partnership with cross-functional program leads/PMs, ensuring consistent, aligned, high-quality updates and communication to management, partners, and governance teams
• Facilitate internal collaboration and meetings, including agendas, presentation materials, minutes, decisions, and following up actions
• Track deliverables from external partners and internal teams, including CROs, with the help of Operations staff, and support preparation of high-quality materials for governance and Regulatory submissions

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences (PhD preferred), such as biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in program or departmental management supporting discovery and early-stage development
• Strong working knowledge of nonclinical drug development (toxicology, pharmacology, DMPK, Translational PKPD, Clinical Pharmacology)
• Project management training or PMP certification is a plus
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex scientific and operational information into clear, executive level narratives
• Proven capability to operate with ambiguity, influence without authority, and drive outcomes in a matrixed environment
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Agile with an ability to respond positively to continuous change and to bring creative solutions to challenges
• Exceptional computer proficiency – advanced knowledge of and experience with Smartsheet and MS-Office applications (including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills (resources, timelines, cost/risk/benefit analysis, and overseeing data management)

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this job level is $175,000 - $210,000. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location

The Associate Director, Nonclinical and Translational Strategy & Operations role is based in the US, with 25% travel.

EEOC Statement

Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.