Senior Manager, Program Management, Software

Edwards Lifesciences; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Benefits programs

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA seeks a Senior Manager, Program Management, Software (SME – Individual Contributor) to lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex software programs for medical devices and digital solutions.

You will partner with Software Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Marketing and Product Management to align initiatives with portfolio objectives and drive governance.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Experience with Agile, Scrum, and hybrid methodologies.
• Bachelor’s degree required; 10 years managing complex programs or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide program-level leadership across multiple interdependent projects.
• Lead complex software development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans and milestones.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across key functions and teams.
• Lead governance, risk management, and executive communication.
• Mentor project managers and coordinate resource sharing.

Skills

SDLC understanding

Agile / Scrum

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Azure DevOps

Jira

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Power BI

Job description

Many structural heart patients suffer from heart failure with limited options. Our Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) team is at the forefront of addressing these unmet patient needs through pioneering technology that enables early, targeted therapeutic intervention. Our innovative solutions are not just transforming patient care but also creating a unique and exciting environment for our team members. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

The Senior Manager, Program Management, Software (SME – Individual Contributor) is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of complex software development programs supporting medical devices and digital solutions. This role partners closely with Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Medical Affairs, and Marketing to deliver strategic initiatives aligned with business and portfolio objectives.

How you will make an impact:

• Provide program-level leadership across multiple interdependent projects, establishes effective governance, drives cross-functional decision-making, and ensures appropriate management of scope, schedule, resources, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead multiple complex software development programs and projects from concept through commercialization and post-launch transition, as applicable.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Medical Affairs, Product Management, and Marketing teams.
• Partner with software development teams utilizing Agile, Scrum, and hybrid development methodologies.
• Lead the creation and approval of business cases within the program, and coordinate the sharing and prioritization of resources among projects
• Partner with business and functional leaders to evaluate program priorities, resource requirements, sequencing, and trade-offs in support of portfolio objectives.
• Lead program governance, decision-making, and executive reviews while proactively managing risk, issues, dependencies, and changes impacting program objectives
• Communicate program status, decisions, risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to senior leadership and other key stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain program stakeholder relationships, expectations, and communication, both internal and external to the organization
• Lead selected PMO and program-management continuous-improvement initiatives, incorporating lessons learned and industry best practices.
• Manage program and project closure activities, including transition planning, lessons learned, and follow-through on improvement actions.
• Provide program management expertise, coaching, and mentorship to project managers and cross-functional team members.
• Support the planning and direction of contract resources assigned to programs, as applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you’ll need (required):

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, 10 years of hands-on experience managing projects and/or programs of increasing complexity or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria

What else we look for (preferred):

• Master's Degree
• Strong understanding and experience in software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile, Scrum, and hybrid development methodologies.
• Working knowledge of regulated software product development, including applicable design controls, IEC 62304 principles, cybersecurity considerations, and regulatory development processes.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master, Program Management Professional (PgMP), or SAFe certification
• Demonstrated proficiency with project and program management tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or equivalent platforms. Experience using reporting and data-visualization tools such as Power BI
• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objectives
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent understanding and work experience with project budgets and financial management
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change
• Experience in facilitating change, including collaboration with management and executive stakeholders
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels
• Ability to work and excel within a fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment
• Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control

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 $139,000 to $196,000 (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.