Sr. Program Manager, Client Facing

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior program lead and primary escalation point for assigned DS CMC client programs
• Own the overall client relationship post contract, ensuring delivery aligns with scope, timelines, financial commitments, and quality standards
• Lead executive level client governance, including program reviews, risk discussions, and long-range planning
• Build credibility as a strategic thought partner, providing forward looking recommendations and scenario-based options
• Partner closely with Business Development on: Program transitions from pursuit to execution, Scope expansion, amendments, and future phase planning, Long term account and portfolio strategy

Drug Substance CMC Program Leadership

• Provide program leadership across end-to-end drug substance CMC activities, including: Process development strategy and lifecycle planning, Technology transfer from client or internal development into GMP operations, Scale up strategy and manufacturing execution, GMP DS manufacturing oversight, Process validation, PPQ, and commercialization readiness
• Define and drive phase appropriate execution strategies: Early phase: flexibility, assumption management, and speed to data, Late phase: schedule discipline, risk containment, and supply assurance
• Ensure integrated execution plans reflect client intent, regulatory strategy, and internal capacity

Cross Functional Leadership & Complex Decision Facilitation

• Act as the senior integrator across Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners
• Lead alignment on priorities, resourcing, and tradeoffs for complex or high-risk programs
• Facilitate critical decision-making forums where quality, schedule, cost, and capacity must be balanced
• Drive disciplined governance, escalation, and resolution of cross functional conflicts
• Coach functional and program teams on client centric execution and accountability

Risk, Change & Contract Optimization

• Own program level risk strategy for technical, operational, regulatory, and schedule exposure
• Lead proactive mitigation planning and transparent escalation with executive stakeholders and clients
• Oversee change control for scope, timeline, and cost, ensuring: Clear impact analysis, Client alignment and documentation, Protection of company and client interests
• Maintain strong financial awareness, including budget oversight, forecasting, and margin considerations

Portfolio Contribution & Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to portfolio level prioritization, capacity planning, and governance discussions
• Serve as a mentor and escalation resource for mid-level CMC program managers
• Support development and refinement of CDMO CMC program management standards, tools, and best practices
• Represent Program Management and CMC execution perspectives in internal leadership forums

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline (advanced degree preferred)
• 7–10+ years of experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical CMC program or project management
• Demonstrated leadership of drug substance CMC programs across development phases
• Experience operating in a CDMO or client service delivery model with external accountability
• Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing, validation, regulatory expectations, and commercialization readiness
• Proven ability to influence senior client and internal stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with scheduling and program management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project)

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PST unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.

Compensation

We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. The compensation range for this role is $153,600 - $192,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Who you are

A confident senior leader comfortable representing the organization with external clients
Skilled at navigating ambiguity, tradeoffs, and high stakes decision making to drive program results
Strategic, solutions-oriented, and commercially aware
Able to mentor others while maintaining hands on accountability where needed
Motivated by building trusted partnerships and delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes

Physical Demands & Work Environment

In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting.