Hybrid Global Program Manager (PM), Cell Therapy

Key Responsibilities: At the Associate Director level, the Project Manager (PM) is accountable for one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) and associated sub-teams of moderate complexity within the early and late-stage development space and is expected to operate independently in day-to-day activities. Partners with the Global Program Lead (GPL) to foster high-performing teams, monitor team effectiveness, and establish team norms and operating principles that promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability.

Primary Talent Partners has a new contract opening for a Global Program Manager (PM), Cell Therapy to join our pharmaceutical client in Brisbane, CA. This is a 12-month contract to start with the potential for extensions. 

Pay:$127.00 - $147.00/hr; W2 contract, no PTO, no Benefits. ACA-compliant supplemental package available for enrollment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to sit on Primary Talent Partners W2 without sponsorship.

Schedule: 9-5

Description
Key Responsibilities:

• At the Associate Director level, the Project Manager (PM) is accountable for one or more Global Program Teams (GPTs) and associated sub-teams of moderate complexity within the early and late-stage development space and is expected to operate independently in day-to-day activities.
• May serve as part of a PM team supporting workstreams for large, highly complex late-stage GPTs under the guidance of a Senior PM.
• Creates and maintains integrated cross-functional development plans, timelines, and budgets for assigned programs, ensuring progress remains aligned with established objectives.
• Facilitates effective, science-based business decision-making by developing and evaluating multiple development scenarios and options as needed, while identifying interdependencies and downstream impacts on timelines, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Proactively identifies project risks and ensures mitigation plans are developed and implemented.
• Maintains transparent and timely communication with project teams and key stakeholders.
• Partners with the Global Program Lead (GPL) to foster high-performing teams, monitor team effectiveness, and establish team norms and operating principles that promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability.
• Coordinates resource and budget planning across functions to ensure appropriate support for project needs and highlights changes or constraints as necessary.
• Advises teams on governance requirements and prepares for key decision-making discussions, ensuring diverse cross-functional perspectives are considered.
• Collaborates closely with strategic alliance partners on jointly developed programs.
• Coaches project team members and PM colleagues to drive operational excellence, accountability, and talent development.
• Acts as a change agent by supporting continuous improvement initiatives and transformational efforts within the Project Management function.

Role Within the Team:

• The Associate Director will serve as the Lead Project Manager on assigned assets.
• Partners closely with the Global Program Lead (GPL) and Global Program Team (GPT) to lead sub-teams and drive the development of integrated, efficient, and cross-functional execution plans.
• Coordinates and plans GPT activities, including milestone development, budget forecasting, resource planning, scenario planning, and the creation of integrated program plans based on cross-functional inputs and assumptions.
• Facilitates team goal setting and performance tracking to ensure alignment with strategy and support year-end evaluation processes.
• Manages GPTs for early-stage assets and oversees GPT sub-teams as appropriate to track deliverables and prepare teams for governance interactions at key program milestones.
• Leads integrated cross-functional planning efforts by aligning diverse functional strategies, defining operational approaches, managing timelines and budgets, and assessing and mitigating risks.
• Operates independently to provide best-in-class project management expertise and drive execution excellence across GPTs and related teams.
• Provides an objective and independent perspective to help shape overall project strategy and optimize portfolio value.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• PMP certification is desirable.
• Candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific discipline combined with 8+ years of drug development experience will be considered.
• Strongly preferred experience within Cell Therapy at the asset level.
• 10+ years of experience within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industries preferred.
• Experience in project or portfolio management and leadership of cross-functional matrix teams is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success planning and managing complex early and/or late-stage drug development programs.
• Strong understanding of disease areas, drug development pathways, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions.
• Expert knowledge of end-to-end drug development processes and product value assessment.
• Proven leadership skills, including situational leadership and the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience leading matrixed teams and balancing strategic oversight with operational detail when necessary to resolve challenges.
• Proficiency with project management tools, including Microsoft Project.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and tailor messaging for audiences ranging from project teams to senior executives.
• Experience guiding GPT activities and preparing high-quality governance documents and executive presentations.
• Ability to ensure appropriate GPT membership and functional representation as programs evolve.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience developing critical path analyses and conducting scenario planning exercises.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance speed, quality, and cost while driving execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including full professional English proficiency.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, business acumen, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities while maintaining a cross-functional perspective.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of drug development experience.
• Experience supporting or leading Cell Therapy development programs.
• PMP certification.
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience Requirements

Required Experience:

• 8+ years of drug development experience.

Preferred Experience:

• 10+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry experience.
• Target Candidate Profile
• Proven Project Manager or Associate Director-level professional with significant drug development experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong preference for candidates with Cell Therapy experience at the asset level.
• Capable of independently leading programs and driving strategic decision-making.
• Target Companies
• Cell Therapy organizations preferred.
• Candidates from biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy companies are highly desirable.

Top Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. desirable) in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or other relevant discipline. In addition, PMP certification is desirable.
• BS/MS degrees in a scientific discipline in combination with 8+ years of drug development experience will be considered.
• Experience within Cell Therapy (at the asset level) strongly preferred
• The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical/health care industry; experience in project/portfolio management or leadership of cross-functional matrix teams is a plus. 

Primary Talent Partners is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application or at any point in the hiring process, please contact us at info@primarytalentpartners.com

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