Project Manager, Operations & IT

Watchmaker Genomics, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Watchmaker Genomics is seeking a Project Manager, Operations & IT to lead the company’s largest technology programs from initiation through delivery, reporting to the COO. This onsite Boulder role blends enterprise IT implementations with coaching of junior PMs.

You will drive ERP/LIMS projects, infra and cloud upgrades, and cross‑functional collaboration across IT, R&D, Manufacturing, Operations and Finance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex, cross‑functional technology programs and projects end‑to‑end
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or developing other project managers
• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and present portfolio‑level reporting and dashboards to executive leadership
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical details into business/financial terms for non‑technical executives
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in cross‑functional and executive‑facing meetings
• Ability to multitask and work autonomously under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to lead without direct authority
• Working knowledge of PM methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid) and standard PM tools
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Watchmaker Genomics’ largest, most complex, and highest‑risk technology programs and projects from initiation through closeout
• Serve as a player‑coach: mentor and coach individual‑contributor project managers on planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and PM tools
• Develop and maintain program roadmaps, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers
• Build and deliver clear program and portfolio status reports, dashboards, and executive‑level presentations
• Establish and continuously improve IT project and program management standards, templates, governance, and best practices
• Partner cross-functionally with IT, R&D, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Finance to align initiatives with priorities
• Track and report on financials (budget vs. actual) and support capital planning and forecasting
• Support change management and adoption planning for major tech rollouts
• Additional responsibilities as assigned
• Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

Project management

Agile methodologies

Jira

Smartsheet

Asana

Education

BS in business, IT, engineering

MS in business, IT, engineering

PMP / PgMP (preferred)

Tools

Smartsheet

Jira

Asana

Job description

Position: Project Manager, Operations & IT

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)

Experience: BS and 5+ years or MS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience in technical program and project management

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor.

We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Summary

Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for the full-time position of Project Manager, Operations & IT, reporting to our Chief Operating Officer.

This position sits within Information Technology (IT) and is responsible for leading Watchmaker Genomics’ largest and most complex technology programs and projects from initiation through delivery, while also coaching and mentoring the individual contributors and project managers who run smaller-scale IT projects. This role is the primary translator of day-to-day project execution into clear, concise program-level reporting.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, technically fluent leader who can flex between hands-on program management of enterprise-wide initiatives (e.g., ERP/LIMS implementations, infrastructure and cloud upgrades, systems integrations, and cybersecurity or compliance-driven programs) and coaching less experienced project managers on project management fundamentals, tools, and best practices. Familiarity with the life sciences, biotech, or another regulated manufacturing environment is a plus.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience leading enterprise technology programs and developing other project managers, while partnering closely with executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Watchmaker’s largest, most complex, and highest-risk technology programs and projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery


• Serve as a player-coach: mentor and coach individual-contributor project managers running smaller IT projects, providing hands-on guidance on project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and use of project management tools and methodologies


• Develop and maintain program-level roadmaps, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers that roll individual project data up into a cohesive portfolio view


• Build and deliver clear, concise program and portfolio status reports, dashboards, and executive-level presentations to the COO, CFO, and broader leadership team on a regular cadence


• Establish and continuously improve IT project and program management standards, templates, governance, and best practices across the department


• Partner cross-functionally with IT, R&D, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Finance stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business priorities


• Identify, ??


• Track and report on financials (budget vs. actual) for programs and projects, partnering with the CFO’s office on capital planning and spend forecasting as needed


• Support change management and adoption planning for major technology rollouts


• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have a degree in business, information technology, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, with at least five years of relevant industry experience managing technical programs and projects (see education section below). Experience in the following areas is considered highly desirable: enterprise IT systems implementations (ERP, LIMS, CRM), infrastructure or cloud programs, and cybersecurity or compliance-driven initiatives, ideally within a regulated or life sciences environment. Previous experience coaching or leading other project managers, and prior exposure to reporting into executive or finance leadership, is considered a plus.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex, cross‑functional technology programs and projects end‑to‑end


• Experience coaching, mentoring, or otherwise developing the project management skills of other individual contributors


• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and present portfolio-level reporting and dashboards to executive leadership (e.g., COO, CFO)


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate technical project details into business and financial terms for non‑technical executives


• Maintain a high level of professionalism in cross‑functional and executive‑facing meetings


• The ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure, and work with a high degree of autonomy


• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to lead without direct authority across a matrixed organization


• Working knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid) and standard PM tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Jira, Asana)


• Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level presentation skills


• Ability to determine program and project timelines, budgets, and resource needs, and meet deadlines

Education and Experience

• BS in business, information technology, computer science, engineering (or related discipline) plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in technical program/project management


• M.Sc in business, information technology, computer science, engineering (or related discipline) plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience in technical program/project management


• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent Project/Program Management Certification (preferred)

Compensation

The base compensation range for this role is $85,000-$110,000+ bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

*** NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.

*** WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in the United States of America; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.