Program Manager (R&D)

Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

11 paid holidays per year

Paid time off (20+ days)

401k with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Tandem Diabetes Care seeks a Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex software and system programs through our product development process. You will develop and deliver new medical device products to market, ensuring phase-gate deliverables and Design Control compliance.

The role requires experience in FDA-regulated environments, strong communication, and the ability to drive schedules, budgets, and resources across multiple partners.

Qualifications

• Proven success in complex matrixed orgs with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication and executive-level influencing skills.
• Proficient with project management tools for planning and tracking.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional core teams through product development phases.
• Establish and drive project plans, schedules, and milestones.
• Ensure adherence to Design Control procedures and product development processes.
• Coordinate with Program Office, PMs, and department heads on resource allocation.
• Provide timely project status updates to executives and partners.
• Transfer product from R&D to manufacturing and external marketing.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Complex matrixed organizations

Executive communication

Project management tools

Agile/Scrum

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

PMP certification desired

Scrum certification a plus

Tools

MS Project

Excel (formulas, pivot tables)

PowerPoint

Job description

GROW WITH US:

Tandem Diabetes Care creates new possibilities for people living with diabetes, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers through a positively different experience. We’d love for you to team up with us to “innovate every day,” put “people first,” and take the “no-shortcuts” approach that has propelled us to become a leader in the diabetes technology industry.

STAY AWESOME:

Tandem Diabetes Care is proud to manufacture and sell the Tandem Mobi system and t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ+ technology — an advanced predictive algorithm that automates insulin delivery. But we’re so much more than that. Our company’s human-centered approach to design, development, and support delivers innovative products and services for people who use insulin. Because many of our own team members live with diabetes, or have a loved one impacted by diabetes, the work is personal, and we are committed to the cause. Learn more at tandemdiabetes.com

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

The Program Manager (PM) leads cross-functional core teams and manages complex software projects and/or system-level programs through Tandem’s product development process, with the main goal of developing and delivering new medical device products to market. The Program Manager is expected to exemplify the program management function and capabilities within Tandem and external partners.

Key Elements of the Function Include:

• execution in a phase gate process that defines development team deliverables throughout the product life cycle,
• lead/participate in core and scrum meetings,
• establish and drive the team’s project plan and schedule with clearly defined core team roles and responsibilities,
• establish project metrics,
• execute PM responsibilities as defined by our Design Control procedures.

Program Manager’s at Tandem are also responsible for:

• Provides project management expertise and leadership to a multi-functional core team from Concept through Commercialization following Tandem’s standard process for product development and/or Design change;
• ensures implementation and compliance to Design Control procedures and improvements of systems, procedures, and documentation.
• Plans and directs all aspects of software/systems projects/programs.
• Establishes project plans and objectives, develops project cost analysis, establishes, and manages the project schedule and budget, manages resources, tracks progress, and provides updates to management and external partners.
• Works closely with the Program Office, Project Managers, and functional heads to resolve resource allocation issues, conflicts, and priorities and to ensure projects are staffed appropriately, completed on time, and within budget constraints.
• Ensures efficient transfer of product from R&D to manufacturing and external marketing.
• Leads/participates in process improvement initiatives related to product development, resource management and allocation, design controls, and other areas that impact cycle time, efficiencies, and compliance in medical device product development.
• Communicates and presents regular and timely project status updates to various levels of the organization including the executive management team and external partners.
• As necessary, performs other duties as required to support the PMO.

WHEN & WHERE YOU’LL WORK:

Hybrid: This role will be a mix of in-office work at our corporate headquarters in Del Mar, CA and remote work. This position is expected to be in office 2-3 days per week but may vary depending on business demands.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Demonstrated success working in complex matrixed organizations and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to drive cultural change and implement project management best practices.
• Strong communication and executive-level influencing skills to manage scope, resources, and priorities.
• Skilled at leading, motivating, and aligning project teams to meet schedule and business objectives.
• Proficient with project management tools for planning, scheduling, task management, resource allocation, and collaboration.
• Advanced Microsoft Office expertise, including Excel (formulas, pivot tables, dashboards/graphs), PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Experience with Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), documentation, and review processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build strong internal and external partnerships.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities while maintaining confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies, product development processes, engineering principles, and medical device industry practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; or a combination of education and applicable experience.
• Certificate in Project Management (PMP) is desired.
• Alternatively, should be willing to pursue professional certification in the future.
• Scrum Certification a plus.
• 4 years’ directly related experience in managing projects in FDA-regulated and ISO 14971 certified industry.
• 4 years’ experience in the medical device industry and compliance to internal Quality Systems.
• Experience in managing projects from inception to post-market sustaining using a phase-gate methodology.
• Experience in managing projects focused on solutions for people with diabetes a plus.
• Knowledge and experience in the implementation of regulatory requirements for medical device development such as FDA’s Design Controls, ISO’s Risk Management and Medical Device standards, ISO Software Development standards (e.g., IEC 62304).

EXTRA AWESOME:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; or a combination of education and applicable experience. Certificate in Project Management (PMP) is desired. Alternatively, should be willing to pursue professional certification in the future. Scrum Certification a plus. 4 years’ directly related experience in managing projects in FDA-regulated and ISO 14971 certified industry. 4 years’ experience in the medical device industry and compliance to internal Quality Systems. Experience in managing projects from inception to post-market sustaining using a phase-gate methodology. Experience in managing projects focused on solutions for people with diabetes a plus. Knowledge and experience in the implementation of regulatory requirements for medical device development such as FDA’s Design Controls, ISO’s Risk Management and Medical Device standards, ISO Software Development standards (e.g., IEC 62304).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The starting base pay range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 annually. Base pay will vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience and may also fluctuate depending on candidate’s location and the overall job market. In addition to base pay, Tandem offers a competitive compensation package that includes bonus and a robust benefits package.

• medical
• dental
• vision available your first day
• health savings accounts
• flexible saving accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year
• a minimum of 20 days of paid time off (with accrual starting on day 1)
• 401k plan with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan

Learn more about Tandem’s benefits here!

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and regulations. A conditional offer of employment from Tandem is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment screening process comprised of a drug test (excluding marijuana) and background check, which includes a review of criminal history information. Tandem has good cause to conduct a review of criminal history information of candidates for this position, as this role may involve access to proprietary, sensitive and/or confidential information, including customer protected health information. This review is required to ensure that individuals in such roles uphold high standards of trust and integrity so as to protect the interests of our customers, employees, and stakeholders.

SPONSORSHIP:

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

At Tandem, we believe joy fuels excellence. That's why we've built a workplace that celebrates your achievements and supports your well-being. Our team thrives on pushing boundaries and fostering growth, all while maintaining a spirit of fun and camaraderie. This is just one of the ways we stay awesome! Explore the benefits and reasons to love Tandem at https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/careers.

BE YOU, WITH US!

We embrace the value that every single one of us brings to the table. But sometimes we forget that when we don’t meet 100% of a job description’s criteria – maybe you’re feeling that way right now? We encourage you to apply anyway. Because we want you to be you, with us.

EEO/DEI STATEMENT:

Tandem is firmly committed to being an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates.