Manufacturing Program Manager

Job Title:Manufacturing Program Manager Job Description This role leads complex, global manufacturing programs for medical devices and drug-device combination products, with a focus on industrialization, technology transfer, and large-scale operations. You will translate business goals into executable program plans, coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple global sites, and ensure successful assembly, labeling, packaging, testing, storage, and release of new or modified products. The position requires deep experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device manufacturing environments, particularly drug product fill/finish and combination product packaging, combined with strong program management, communication, and leadership skills. Responsibilities Lead large, global manufacturing programs that span multiple manufacturing, testing, and storage locations across the network.Define and document program scope, execution strategies, resources, deliverables, and milestones using a comprehensive set of program management tools.Create and implement program execution strategies that cover assembly, labeling, packaging, testing, storage, and release of new or modified medical devices and drug-device combination products.Develop and maintain detailed program milestones, Gantt timelines, and MS Project schedules to ensure on-time delivery of program objectives.Create program charters, work breakdown structures, RACI matrices, risk registers, and material demand and supply plans to provide clear structure and accountability.Manage programs according to approved financial plans, monitor actual charges, and proactively communicate and resolve any financial variances.Articulate the program execution strategy, deliverables, and milestones to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining a clear and consistent narrative that drives engagement and alignment.Establish and implement effective program governance structures, including roles and responsibilities, integrated timelines, and communication plans.Plan and facilitate product and design transfer kick-off meetings to ensure smooth transfer from development to operations.Align global and site cross-functional project execution teams across Manufacturing, Engineering, Science and Technology, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory to meet program goals.Plan material use, sourcing, and distribution across the manufacturing network to support uninterrupted program execution and product supply.Enable regulatory submissions by coordinating required program deliverables and supporting documentation, and support product launches and commercial supply readiness.Develop and implement risk mitigation and contingency plans to keep programs on track, and adjust strategies as needed in response to emerging issues.Identify and realize opportunities for acceleration, efficiency, and cost avoidance or reduction across programs.Monitor and integrate changes in global device and combination product industrialization practices, quality requirements, and regulatory pathways into program plans to drive value and speed to market.Ensure program teams and stakeholders remain aligned, manage competing timelines, and make informed decisions regarding priorities across the program portfolio.Drive rapid identification, communication, and resolution of issues, enabling informed decision-making and robust cross-functional problem solving.Promote continuous improvement of program management practices, tools, and templates across the organization.Plan and facilitate global program meetings, document minutes and action items, follow up on closure, and hold team members accountable for decisions and deliverables.Ensure that programs and projects are technically and financially closed upon completion, with any ongoing responsibilities formally transferred to appropriate functions.Communicate effectively at all levels, demonstrating executive presence and strong stakeholder management to ensure the delivery of exceptional program value. Essential Skills Bachelors degree or equivalent in engineering or science.Approximately 10 years of combined professional experience in manufacturing, engineering, science, technology, or technical operations within pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device manufacturing.Minimum of 5 years of global program and/or project management experience.Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a drug product fill/finish, device manufacturing, or combination product packaging plant environment.Proven experience with industrialization and qualification of drug product fill/finish operations, device manufacturing, and combination product assembly, labeling, and packaging.Demonstrated experience managing product transfer from development to operations.Ability to create comprehensive program documentation including program charters, execution strategies, milestone tables, Gantt timelines, MS Project schedules, work breakdown structures, RACI matrices, risk registers, and material demand and supply plans.Excellent program and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across diverse teams.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening and the ability to communicate complex scientific, technical, analytical, and business issues clearly.Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate cross-functional resolution of complex issues in a manufacturing or technical environment.Above-average proficiency in MS Excel, MS Project, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, and SharePoint.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously.Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed. Additional Skills & Qualifications Advanced degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline is a plus.Professional certifications such as Program Management Professional (PMP or equivalent) are highly desirable.Exposure to quality systems, design controls, product labeling, regulatory submission strategy and preparation, and product launch or commercial supply activities.Experience supporting regulatory submissions and market access pathways for medical devices and combination products.Strong financial skills and business acumen, including experience managing program budgets and financial performance.Proficiency with additional tools such as Power BI and Smartsheet is a plus.Familiarity with open AI or similar advanced digital tools is considered an advantage.Proficiency in multiple languages is a plus.Demonstrated executive presence and the ability to present confidently to leadership.Proactive, organized, and collaborative working style with a focus on delivering measurable program value. Work Environment This is a full-time, long-term contract role with an expected duration of approximately 18 to 24 months. The position is based at a bioresearch and manufacturing site in Worcester, MA. The role follows a hybrid work model, with the expectation that you will be on-site at least three days per week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with flexibility for remote work on other days as business needs allow. You will work in a highly cross-functional, global environment that brings together Manufacturing, Engineering, Science and Technology, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory teams. The work involves frequent virtual collaboration using tools such as MS Teams and SharePoint, as well as regular global meetings across time zones. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required to visit manufacturing, testing, or storage locations and to support key program activities. The environment is fast-paced and results-driven, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to shape complex programs that directly support the delivery of critical medical and drug-device products to patients worldwide Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Worcester, MA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $100.00 - $110.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Worcester, MA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Worcester,MA. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.