Drug Development Program Manager – Business Capability – Lead # 26-24292

Us Tech Solutions; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

US Tech Solutions seeks an Associate Director-level Project Manager to drive execution of global program teams in early and late-stage drug development. You will lead cross-functional plans, budgets, and governance discussions, coordinating with GPL and strategic partners while coaching teams toward operational excellence.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in biotech/pharma, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of end-to-end drug development processes, with experience in cell therapy preferred.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Chemical or Physical Sciences; Ph.D. preferred.
• PM certification desirable (PMP).
• 8+ years drug development experience; cell therapy exposure preferred.
• Experience in leading cross-functional matrix teams.
• Strong communication and strategic thinking for governance documents.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for one or more GPTs and sub-teams within early/late-stage development.
• Lead cross-functional integrated development plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop and evaluate multiple scenarios to inform business decisions.
• Identify risks and ensure mitigation plans are implemented.
• Maintain transparent communication with teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with GPL to foster high-performing teams and governance.
• Coordinate resource and budget planning across functions.
• Advise on governance requirements and key decision points.
• Collaborate with strategic partners on joint programs.
• Coach teams to drive execution excellence and continuous improvement.
• Lead change efforts within Project Management to enhance portfolio value.
• Serve as Lead PM on assigned assets and guide GPT activities.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Ph.D. preferred

Bachelor/Master in Life Sciences with 8+ years drug development

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Duration

12 months (with possible extension)

Key Responsibilities

Work Schedule: 9-5

• 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.
• 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.

About US Tech Solutions

US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement

US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

AI Statement

By applying, you acknowledge that AI-assisted tools may be used during hiring.