Global Program Manager Pharma/Biotech
Job TItle: Global Program Manager Pharma/Biotech
Job Location: Santa Monica, California
Job Duration: 9 month
Role Overview
The Global Program Manager (GPM) serves as a strategic partner to the Product Team Leader (PTL) and Development Lead, driving cross-functional alignment, managing timelines and risks, and enabling informed decision-making across the Product Team (PT) and Research and Development Team (RDT).
The GPM holds primary accountability for overall program outcomes.
Job Responsibilities
Drive alignment across program interdependencies and portfolio-level goals.
Partner with PTL and Development Lead to execute program strategy.
Lead goal setting, progress tracking, and outcome communication across teams and stakeholders.
Ensure data accuracy and timeline integrity within enterprise portfolio and timeline systems.
Responsible for maintaining accurate and current program information across online systems and dashboards.
Elevate and track risks, ensuring mitigation plans are in place.
Prepare teams for governance engagements (Portfolio Committee, Development Review Committee), ensuring readiness and alignment.
Lead bi-annual operating plan processes, ensuring accurate cost forecasting.
Collaborate with finance, operations, and functional leads to manage budgets and resources.
Facilitate effective communication and decision-making across cross-functional teams.
Monitors and reports on program health and key performance indicators to ensure transparency and alignment with leadership
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Develops executive-ready materials to communicate program status, strategy and recommendations.
Basic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business or related discipline, and 10 years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience
Strong foundation in project management principles; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
Extensive experience in project management within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep functional expertise in at least one domain: Research, Development, or Commercialization.
Solid understanding of the drug development lifecycle, experience in Early Development strong preferred.
Oncology and cell therapy experience strongly preferred.
Proven ability to influence without direct authority and foster strong cross-functional collaboration.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights.
Strategic problem-solver with a demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in fast-paced, evolving environments.
Experience with Planisware or similar enterprise project portfolio management tools preferred
Manager Spotlight call – Notes
Program Manager Pharma/Biotech (Hybrid/Onsite in Santa Monica or Foster City, CA)
Remote considered for exceptionally qualified candidates
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to support Phase 1 drug development programs within a dynamic, cross-functional biotech/pharma environment.
The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of the drug development lifecycle, with a strong track record in timeline and risk management.
Key Qualifications:
10 years of experience in pharmaceutical/biotech program or project management
Proven expertise in managing early-stage (Phase 1) drug development programs
Familiarity with Planisware is highly preferred
Oncology experience is desirable but not required
Demonstrated ability to navigate a matrixed organization and lead cross-functional teams
Strong understanding of timeline management systems and risk mitigation strategies
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working across multiple time zones (PST, EST, EU)
Education & Credentials:
BA/BS in Life Sciences or related field required; PhD a plus
PMP certification is a plus
Work Setup:
Preference for hybrid or onsite in Santa Monica or Foster City, CA
Open to remote for highly qualified candidates with strong experience