Director, Head of Program Management
About the role
The successful candidate will build and lead a fit-for-purpose Program Management function that enables strong execution, transparent communication, and effective decision-making across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Build and lead a fit-for-purpose Program Management function that enables strong execution, transparent communication, and effective decision-making across the organization
- Guiding and empowering Program Managers to drive the development and management of integrated program plans (including timelines, assumptions, scenarios, risks, critical path, decision maps, goals, and budget drivers)
- Establishing and continuously improving program management capabilities, tools, and practices
- Partnering with Finance and Corporate Development to prepare for Portfolio Reviews
- Facilitating and contributing to the Programs/Portfolio goal setting & tracking, in line with enterprise goals
- Systematically monitoring program risks and trends across the portfolio. Ensuring timely escalation of issues and proposed mitigation strategies as appropriate
- Fostering an enriching and positive work environment, maximizing impact
- Promoting crisp, transparent, and timely communication, clear decision-making in accordance with Tessera’s decision-making model, and high-performing program/alliance teams
- Evolving your role over time to meet Tessera’s business needs
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in life sciences, engineering, business, or a related field with 15 years related experience or Masters with 13 years related experience or PhD with 10 years of related experience
- Significant experience in program management, program operations, or cross-functional development teams in a dynamic biotech or pharmaceutical environment
- Strong understanding of drug development from research through preclinical development, IND-enabling activities, regulatory submissions, and clinical development. It’s a bonus if you have commercial experience.
- Demonstrated ability to bridge science and business interests
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Being well-versed in program management principles, practices, and tools (including Office Timeline, Think-Cell, and Smartsheet/Microsoft Project)
- Thriving in a dynamic and rigorous work environment, coaching and mentoring
- It’s a bonus if you have your Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification or experience in genetic medicines
Qualifications
You are an experienced program management leader who brings strategic thinking, operational discipline, and a collaborative leadership style to complex drug development programs. You understand how to translate scientific and development strategy into clear, executable plans, and you are energized by helping teams make progress through structure, transparency, and effective decision-making.
Skills
- Strategic thinking
- Operational discipline
- Collaborative leadership
- Translating scientific and development strategy into clear, executable plans
- Helping teams make progress through structure, transparency, and effective decision-making
Benefits
Tessera offers a competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits currently include group medical, vision, and dental coverage; group life and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with company contribution; tuition reimbursement; and more.
Pay
Per Year Salary Range: $186,000 - $239,000 USD
Schedule
N/A