Director, Program Management

Kailera Therapeutics; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 196,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Wellness stipend

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Disability and life insurance

Annual bonus opportunities

Equity grants

Job summary

Kailera Therapeutics in Waltham, MA is seeking a Director of Program Management to oversee project execution and drive drug development programs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and ensure timely project delivery while managing risks and communication.

The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in managing complex drug development projects within biotech, along with strong problem-solving skills. Comprehensive health benefits, flexible time off, and a competitive salary range of $196,000 – $240,000 are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharma project management.
• Experience managing late-stage drug development projects.
• Strong understanding of clinical, regulatory, and technical operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Program Leader with planning and execution of projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment.
• Identify and manage project risks and issues.

Skills

Drug development & commercialization

Project management

Cross-functional team management

Problem-solving skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Project management tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

Master's in life sciences or PMP certification

Tools

Smartsheet

MS Project

Excel

Think-cell

Job description

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

The Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Clinical, Regulatory, Non‑clinical, and Technical Operations, and Commercial to drive the overall program and several others forward. This individual will oversee the development and execution of project plans from initiation to completion, ensuring the plan is completed on time, in scope, and within budget. Additionally, they will work closely with teams to proactively identify potential risks and implement effective solutions. A successful candidate must have experience managing drug development projects in a fast‑paced environment, with a strong willingness to build relationships with cross‑functional teams, dive into details, and address gaps as needed to ensure program success.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub‑based, onsite 3‑4 days per week).

Responsibilities:

• Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g. Clinical, Regulatory, Non‑clinical, and Technical Operations, etc.) to ensure alignment with company and program objectives
• Collaborate with Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs are aligned with the overall strategic development plan for the program
• Develop and own detailed integrated project plans, including goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency
• Create and own program reports to executive and other governance teams

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of drug development & commercialization and how biotech functions integrate
• Experience in managing cross‑functional teams and complex projects, with late‑stage drug development (phase 3 experience required)
• Experience in strategic planning for NDA filing, post‑approval commitments and US commercialization strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience and strong working knowledge of cross‑functional areas - including clinical development, commercial, regulatory, and technical operations/CMC - and an understanding of how these functions operate and integrate across the drug development lifecycle
• Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem‑solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
• Responds to changing priorities and uncertainty by maintaining composure, resilience, and an open mind while embracing change in an evolving environment
• Proven record of collaboration and excellent communication
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Excel, think‑cell, OnePager)
• Experience spanning both pharma and biotech environments, including time at larger organizations and lean, high‑growth biotechnology companies
• Prior experience in general medicine therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, diabetes, endocrinology, metabolic disease, or similar) is preferred

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree with at least 8 years of project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry
• Masters in life sciences, PMP certification preferred

Salary Range: $196,000 – $240,000 USD

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good‑faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year‑end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well‑being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy‑related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify: Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.