Lyell Immunopharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. As Lyell advances toward BLA submission and commercial launch, we are building an agile, effective Cell Therapy Commercial organization. The Vice President, Commercial Strategy will be a founding member of that organization, responsible for shaping the strategic and operational foundation for a successful first launch and for setting the trajectory of Lyell's long-term commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
• Serve as a key member of the Commercial Leadership Team and advisor to the CEO and Executive Committee, developing and executing the commercial strategy, brand strategy, and operations plans that will guide Lyell's first product launch.
• Partner across Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, CMC, and Regulatory to shape indication strategy and product positioning ahead of BLA submission and launch.
• Translate clinical, scientific, and market insights into a compelling launch narrative, brand strategy, and go-to-market plan; present recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.
• Create and execute on launch framework and playbook, ensuring best practices are captured and shared, and proactively identify and resolve launch-readiness risks.
• Design and manage commercial operating budget, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Design and manage KPIs and reporting frameworks to track commercial performance and inform decision-making pre- and post-launch.
• Establish market access plan and build a highly functioning team and systems to ensure successful launch
• Identify, manage, and evaluate external agencies, vendors, and partners supporting market research, commercial campaigns, education initiatives, and engagement platforms.
• Partner with IS/IT to bring digital, omnichannel, and data-driven capabilities into a best-in-class commercial function.
• Support development of compliant policies and processes for commercial activities in close partnership with Legal and Compliance.
Required Skills, Experience & Education
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive commercial experience in biopharmaceuticals, including strategic marketing, sales, and/or commercial operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Direct experience supporting launch planning and execution for a specialty, rare disease, oncology, or cell/gene therapy product.
• Proven success developing and executing commercial or brand strategy, including forecasting, targeting, and positioning.
• Proven effectiveness in designing and managing commercial operating budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Familiarity with developing and interpreting brand plans, including revenue and patient forecasts, to inform investment decisions, lifecycle strategy, and portfolio prioritization.
• Deep understanding of commercial data sources (e.g., specialty pharmacy, HUB services, patient services, claims data) and experience building commercial infrastructure in a high-growth or pre-commercial environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and manage teams, work cross-functionally, and influence across the organization.
• Excellent communication, project management, and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and deliver within established timelines.
• Ability to represent Lyell externally, including with investors, key opinion leaders, and industry partners.
• Familiarity with compliance regulations applicable to commercial activities in specialty/rare disease or oncology markets.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, comfort with ambiguity, and a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach suited to a lean, fast-paced, pre-commercial organization.
• Passion for serving patients with serious, underserved, or life-threatening diseases.
Preferred Attributes
• Experience with a cell therapy, gene therapy, or oncology product launch.
• Experience in both pre-commercial and commercial-stage biotech organizations.
• Prior experience in a smaller, rapidly growing company.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.
The salary range for this position is $320,000 to $375,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell’s compensation practices and an applicant’s qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan.
At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees.
Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.