Senior Director, Program Management, Patient Activation

Edwards Lifesciences; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 191,000 - 271,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA seeks a Senior Director, Program Management for Patient Activation to drive strategy and governance across a broad enterprise portfolio. You will partner with THV leaders to define priorities, roadmaps, and operating models, ensuring disciplined execution and robust decision-making.

You will influence senior stakeholders without direct authority, shape governance structures, and elevate PMO capabilities while aligning cross-functional teams with Edwards’

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 14 years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Experience leading enterprise-scale programs with cross-functional and executive stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to create clarity, structure, and momentum in highly ambiguous environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, business judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving results across matrixed organizations without direct authority.
• Expert understanding of program and portfolio management methodologies, governance, resource planning, and risk management.
• PMI PMP certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project portfolio management tools.

Responsibilities

• Shape and operationalize the Patient Activation strategy.
• Lead an enterprise portfolio of programs across THV and Edwards.
• Influence and align across the Edwards matrix with executive and functional leaders.
• Advance PMO capability and execution excellence through governance and reporting.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Executive stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Influencing without authority

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

PMP certification

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project portfolio management tools

Job description

Aortic stenosis impacts millions of people globally, yet it often remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Edwards’ groundbreaking work in transcatheter aortic heart valve replacement (TAVR) pioneered an innovative, life-changing solution for patients by offering heart valve replacement without the need for open heart surgery. Our Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) business unit continues to partner with cardiologists and clinical teams to transform patient care with devices supported by clinical evidence. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

As Senior Director, Program Management for Patient Activation, you will report into the VP, PMO – Commercial and help Edwards advance a company-wide effort to increase disease detection, improve diagnosis, streamline heart team evaluation, and accelerate referral, helping more patients access appropriate care sooner.

How you'll make an impact:

This individual contributor role is based in Irvine, CA, resides within Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) and will serve as the PMO partner with the Patient Activation Lead and Strategy Partner. Together, they will shape the Patient Activation strategy, establish an effective operating model, and drive coordinated execution across THV and the broader Edwards organization.

This role is ideal for a strategic, enterprise-minded leader who thrives in ambiguity, brings structure to complex initiatives, and can influence action across a highly matrixed organization.

Shape and operationalize the Patient Activation strategy

• Partner with senior leaders to define priorities, roadmaps, governance, and operating models that advance Patient Activation objectives.
• Translate strategic goals into integrated plans, measurable outcomes, and clear accountability.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner, helping leaders navigate trade-offs, risks, and investment decisions.

Lead an enterprise portfolio of programs

• Provide oversight and integration across multiple Patient Activation initiatives at varying levels of maturity.
• Connect work occurring across functions, business units, and across Edwards to create an enterprise view of priorities, dependencies, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify and address gaps, overlaps, and resource constraints to maximize organizational impact and efficiency.
• Ensure effective execution through disciplined planning, governance, risk management, and performance monitoring.

Influence and align across the Edwards matrix

• Build strong relationships with executive and functional leaders across THV and the broader Edwards organization.
• Drive alignment and sustained progress across stakeholders without direct authority.
• Facilitate decision-making, remove barriers, and maintain momentum in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Represent Patient Activation leadership in strategic discussions and executive forums.

Advance PMO capability and execution excellence

• Elevate program and portfolio management practices, including governance, prioritization, resource planning, and performance management.
• Influence adoption and utilization of project portfolio management tools and processes to support business objectives.
• Establish clear reporting and communication mechanisms that enable timely decisions and transparency.

What you'll need (Required):

• Bachelor's degree and 14 years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Proven success leading complex, enterprise-scale programs or portfolios with significant cross-functional and executive stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to create clarity, structure, and momentum in highly ambiguous environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, business judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving results across matrixed organizations without direct authority.
• Expert understanding of program and portfolio management methodologies, governance, resource planning, and risk management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project portfolio management tools.

What Else We Look For (Preferred)

• Master's degree in a related field.
• PgMP, Lean Six Sigma, Scrum Master, or other advanced PM certifications.
• Experience in healthcare, medical technology, patient access, disease awareness, diagnostics, or commercial transformation initiatives.
• Experience designing operating models and governance structures for emerging strategic priorities.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $191,000 to $271,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.

Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.