Program Manager

Title: Global Program Manager (PM)
Location: Brisbane, CA – Hybrid
Duration : 12 Months
Pay Range: $130-148/hr.
 
Key Responsibilities

• At the Associate Director level, the Project Manager (PM) is accountable for one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) and associated sub-teams of moderate complexity within the early and late-stage development space and is expected to operate independently in day-to-day activities.
• May serve as part of a PM team supporting workstreams for large, highly complex late-stage GPTs under the guidance of a Senior PM.
• Creates and maintains integrated cross-functional development plans, timelines, and budgets for assigned programs, ensuring progress remains aligned with established objectives.
• Facilitates effective, science-based business decision-making by developing and evaluating multiple development scenarios and options as needed, while identifying interdependencies and downstream impacts on timelines, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Proactively identifies project risks and ensures mitigation plans are developed and implemented.
• Maintains transparent and timely communication with project teams and key stakeholders.
• Partners with the Global Program Lead (GPL) to foster high-performing teams, monitor team effectiveness, and establish team norms and operating principles that promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability.
• Coordinates resource and budget planning across functions to ensure appropriate support for project needs and highlights changes or constraints as necessary.
• Advises teams on governance requirements and prepares for key decision-making discussions, ensuring diverse cross-functional perspectives are considered.
• Collaborates closely with strategic alliance partners on jointly developed programs.
• Coaches project team members and PM colleagues to drive operational excellence, accountability, and talent development.
• Acts as a change agent by supporting continuous improvement initiatives and transformational efforts within the Project Management function.

 
The Associate Director will serve as the Lead Project Manager on assigned assets.

• Partners closely with the Global Program Lead (GPL) and Global Program Team (GPT) to lead sub-teams and drive the development of integrated, efficient, and cross-functional execution plans.
• Coordinates and plans GPT activities, including milestone development, budget forecasting, resource planning, scenario planning, and the creation of integrated program plans based on cross-functional inputs and assumptions.
• Facilitates team goal setting and performance tracking to ensure alignment with strategy and support year-end evaluation processes.
• Manages GPTs for early-stage assets and oversees GPT sub-teams as appropriate to track deliverables and prepare teams for governance interactions at key program milestones.
• Leads integrated cross-functional planning efforts by aligning diverse functional strategies, defining operational approaches, managing timelines and budgets, and assessing and mitigating risks.
• Operates independently to provide best-in-class project management expertise and drive execution excellence across GPTs and related teams.
• Provides an objective and independent perspective to help shape overall project strategy and optimize portfolio value.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline. A Ph.D. is preferred.

• PMP certification is desirable.
• Candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific discipline combined with 8+ years of drug development experience will be considered.
• Strongly preferred experience within Cell Therapy at the asset level.
• 10+ years of experience within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industries preferred.
• Experience in project or portfolio management and leadership of cross-functional matrix teams is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success planning and managing complex early and/or late-stage drug development programs.
• Strong understanding of disease areas, drug development pathways, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions.
• Expert knowledge of end-to-end drug development processes and product value assessment.
• Proven leadership skills, including situational leadership and the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience leading matrixed teams and balancing strategic oversight with operational detail when necessary to resolve challenges.
• Proficiency with project management tools, including Microsoft Project.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and tailor messaging for audiences ranging from project teams to senior executives.
• Experience guiding GPT activities and preparing high-quality governance documents and executive presentations.
• Ability to ensure appropriate GPT membership and functional representation as programs evolve.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience developing critical path analyses and conducting scenario planning exercises.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance speed, quality, and cost while driving execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including full professional English proficiency.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, business acumen, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities while maintaining a cross-functional perspective.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of drug development experience.
• Experience supporting or leading Cell Therapy development programs.
• PMP certification.
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline.

Experience Requirements
Required Experience
8+ years of drug development experience.

Preferred Experience
10+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry experience.
 
Target Candidate Profile

• Proven Project Manager or Associate Director-level professional with significant drug development experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong preference for candidates with Cell Therapy experience at the asset level.
• Capable of independently leading programs and driving strategic decision-making.

Target Companies
Cell Therapy organizations preferred.
Candidates from biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy companies are highly desirable.