VP of Program Management & Strategy

Bionova is a rapidly growing biologics CDMO focused on developing and manufacturing recombinant protein products using mammalian cell culture processes. Our success is built on top scientific talent, cutting-edge tools, and an agile culture dedicated to solving complex client challenges. As a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Medical (part of the Tokyo-based Asahi Kasei Group), Bionova has accelerated its growth in both capacity and service offerings.

About the role

This position directs and mentors the Program Management team, ensuring the successful delivery of multiple client engagements from proposal through GMP execution—including scope, timelines, budgets, and profitability. The role partners closely with Executive and Site Leadership to translate corporate goals into actionable programs that strengthen Bionova’s leadership in the CDMO sector. It blends hands-on program leadership (client relationships, project plans, risk management, and team development) with strategic oversight, coordination, and executive communication across key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Direct, mentor, and manage the Program Management team in strategic planning and execution of multiple concurrent client engagements.
• Own successful project delivery across tight timelines, scope, and cost/profitability for contracted activities spanning development through GMP execution, including pDNA and mammalian programs.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, and expenditures for each client engagement; create a project management calendar for program goals and objectives.
• Ensure accurate transfer of contracts from proposal through project completion, maintaining all project documentation and frameworks.
• Organize, attend, and participate in stakeholder and client meetings; chair meetings as needed, document minutes, and follow up on key actions.
• Assess project risks and issues, providing solutions and managing stakeholder views toward optimal outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strategic business partnerships and client relationships; provide technical and scientific expertise to current and prospective clients.
• Develop and present proposals, acting as technical expert or collaborating with cross-functional teams (Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, etc.).
• Gather client feedback, suggest new products/services, and recommend improvements to existing offerings.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with directors, supervisors, and scientists to align programs with company objectives and milestones.
• Prioritize multiple concurrent programs, monitor progress, and implement course corrections using project management and process-improvement disciplines.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and offboarding of Program Management staff to maximize resource utilization and profitability.
• Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to direct reports, including annual reviews, coaching sessions, performance plans, and career development.
• Champion Bionova’s reputation for Science, Quality, Speed, and Service, optimizing workflows, resource management, and productivity.
• Serve as liaison between program teams, staff, and leadership on client satisfaction, program status, and site-wide planning.
• Act as a thought partner and broker for the senior leadership team on matters relevant to program delivery and company strategy.
• Coordinate and host leadership meetings (Revenue Forecasting, Strategy Sessions, Project Reviews), tracking action items and reporting progress.
• Monitor and report progress on key strategic initiatives to the CEO, escalating issues as needed to sustain momentum.
• Support development of executive-level presentations and board materials; attend meetings to capture and distribute notes.
• Translate corporate strategy into measurable, managed program-level deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline or related field (required).
• 15+ years of experience in a GMP facility or biologics program/project management, including strategy execution.
• Broad experience across recombinant protein and/or other biologic production (mammalian and related technologies), spanning early development through GMP manufacturing.
• Proven ability to anticipate and remediate problems, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, influence, and communication skills to engage senior leadership, clients, and cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Experience in high-growth, collaborative, entrepreneurial environments, with a strong work ethic and comfort delivering against challenging commitments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; commitment to quality, attention to detail, and team leadership.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in an office environment, with regular walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Occasional independent lifting/moving of up to 20 pounds may be required.

Pay

The base compensation range for this role is $260,000–$295,000. Base compensation is influenced by factors including time in the role, previous experience, skills, knowledge, performance, work requirements, internal equity, and business/economic conditions.