Senior Program Manager

Ohalo; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohalo in South San Francisco is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead cross-functional programs spanning Biotech R&D, engineering, and operations. You will own outcomes from concept to delivery in a high-ownership environment.

You will design scalable processes, manage budgets, and use AI as a force multiplier to continuously run programs. The role demands strong leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable plans.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional programs in R&D, engineering, technology, operations, or related field.
• Strong engineering fundamentals with experience taking technical work from design through deployment.
• Hands-on with AI and daily use of AI tools; eager to build apps and agents that run work continuously.
• High-ownership leader able to drive initiatives from ambiguity to execution.
• First-principles thinker who questions how things are done and redesigns processes.

Responsibilities

• Own program success for one or more strategic, cross-functional programs.
• Design and implement scalable processes for planning, execution, and tracking.
• Drive alignment with stakeholders and executive leadership; own decisions, escalations, and accountability.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and analytics of managed programs.
• Build integrated program plans connecting workstreams and managing dependencies.
• Define program fit: workstreams, interfaces, handoffs, and validation; maintain a single schedule.
• Translate technical complexity into clear artifacts for diverse audiences.
• Use AI as a force multiplier to run program work continuously with high accuracy and traceability.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Systems thinker

Ownership mindset

AI tools

Influence without authority

Delivery on timelines

First-principles thinking

Engineering background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Ohalo is hiring a Senior Program Manager (PM) to lead strategic programs across the organization. You will run cross-functional programs that span Biotech R&D, engineering, and operations. You will take complex initiatives from concept to delivery.

This is a full-accountability leadership role. You will act as general manager for a set of high-impact programs. You will own outcomes, set strategy, and direct work across technical and business teams.

This role requires strong program management fundamentals and a track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. You should be a strong leader and systems thinker who is motivated to build AI apps and agents that keep work running continuously.

The ideal person thrives in a high-ownership, fast-moving environment and is excited by leading complex, high-stakes initiatives from ambiguity to execution. AI is changing how biological discovery and development get done. We want someone who will lead that change, not wait for it.

Responsibilities

Program General Management & Accountability

• Own program success for one or more strategic, cross-functional programs.
• Design and implement scalable processes and methods for planning, execution, and tracking.
• Drive alignment with stakeholders and executive leadership. own decisions, escalations, and accountability.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and analytics of managed programs.

Cross-Functional Execution & Communication

• Build and maintain integrated program plans that connect workstreams across teams. Make dependencies and critical paths explicit, and manage them.
• Define how each program fits together: workstreams, interfaces, handoffs, and validation. Keep teams executing to one integrated schedule.
• Make the call on trade-offs and escalations; drive alignment across scientists, operators, and executive leadership without waiting for consensus.
• Spot bottlenecks early and unblock teams through clear priorities and fast follow-through.
• Translate technical complexity into clear artifacts for audiences ranging from scientists to Ohalo’s board.
• Use AI as a force multiplier that runs program work, continuously (tracking, reporting, follow-ups), not one-off analyses or reports. Hold a high bar for accuracy and traceability.
• Hold the team to the same standard and help each member build AI into how they work.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional programs in R&D, Engineering, technology, operations, or a related field.
• Strong engineering fundamentals, with experience taking technical work from design through deployment.
• Hands-on with AI and eager to go further: you use AI tools in your daily work and want to build apps and agents that run work continuously, not just one-off analyses or reports.
• Strong systems thinker. Comfortable working across disciplines and turning ambiguity into executable plans.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering on timelines and commitments.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and build alignment between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High-ownership leader who is energized by mission-driven work and follows through.
• First-principles thinker who questions "how it's always been done" and isn't afraid to redesign a process.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in a technical discipline. An advanced degree is preferred
• Experience in a scientific, technical, or engineering environment is required.

The anticipated base pay range for this role is $180,000 - $220,000 per year for our South San Francisco location. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About Ohalo

Ohalo aims to accelerate evolution to unlock nature's potential. Founded in 2019, Ohalo develops novel breeding systems and improved plant varieties that help farmers grow more food with fewer natural resources, increasing the yield, resiliency, and genetic diversity of crops to sustainably feed our population. Ohalo's breakthrough technology, Boosted Breeding, will usher in a new era of improved productivity to radically transform global agriculture. For more information, visit www.ohalo.com .

No visa sponsorship is available for this position at this time.

Ohalo is an Equal Opportunity / Affir-mative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Ohalo is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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