Portfolio and Platform Lead (PPL)

Portfolio and Platform Lead (PPL)

Gates Foundation

December 22, 2025February 5, 2026SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live healthy, productive lives, it emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement. It is committed to fostering a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Portfolio and Platform Lead (PPL) will be a key member of the Accelerator team within the Global Health Division. This role involves developing and applying integrated product development plans while leveraging extensive platform implementation and management experience. The PPL will work closely with various partners, including academic institutions and biotech companies, to ensure that the portfolio of investments in product development and cross-cutting platforms is effectively managed. The position requires a deep understanding of the complex ecosystem in global health and the ability to apply technical expertise to achieve impactful health interventions. The PPL will also be responsible for assessing and refining portfolios to maximize global health impact through partnerships and grants, focusing on preclinical innovation and the development of novel clinical products.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PPL will develop long-term portfolio execution plans that align with the Accelerator team's high-level strategies. They will collaborate with BMGF Program Strategy and Functional teams to create and execute product development plans and manage enabling platforms. Key responsibilities include identifying and assessing risks at the portfolio level, developing mitigation plans, and leading efforts to realign misaligned projects. The PPL will also monitor the development of promising novel technologies, encourage the use of standardized approaches for portfolio management, and communicate portfolio dynamics to support strategy development. Additionally, they will manage relationships with internal stakeholders and ensure the team embodies the foundation's core values of collaboration, rigor, optimism, and innovation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical sectors at a senior level. Significant experience in project management of R&D efforts at both product and portfolio levels in vaccines or biologics is essential. Familiarity with commercial and delivery team needs is also recommended. A PhD and/or MD in life sciences or relevant advanced degree is preferred. The role requires expertise in integrated product development project management, portfolio/platform management, risk assessment, and management, as well as strong communication and facilitation skills.

Educational Background:
A PhD and/or MD in one of the life sciences is preferred, although relevant experience or an advanced degree may also be considered. Candidates should have a strong educational background that supports their ability to manage complex projects in the biotech or pharmaceutical fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical sectors, with a focus on senior-level roles. Candidates should have significant experience in project management related to R&D efforts, particularly in vaccines and biologics, and familiarity with the needs of commercial and delivery teams is advantageous.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the organization. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The salary range for this role is between $186,400 to $288,800 USD, with higher ranges for positions in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven focus, and new hire salaries typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
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