Strategic Product Development Program Lead

Aquestive Therapeutics; New Jersey; On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquestive Therapeutics in the United States seeks a senior program leader to guide a portfolio of 2–3 product development projects, developing integrated cross-functional plans and aligning Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, and Finance functions. The role uses strong leadership to drive milestones and efficient resource use.

You will own the development plan, manage risks and dependencies, and collaborate across functions to ensure on-time delivery while building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, healthcare, or business discipline.
• 7+ years leading pharmaceutical or life sciences development programs.
• Proven ability to build relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional management skills.
• Experience managing timelines, budgets, risks, and governance deliverables.
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical development lifecycle and cross-functional interdependencies.
• Ability to balance heavy workloads and multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to drive strategy while delivering tactical results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with influence without direct authority.
• Experience presenting status and options to senior leadership; PMP or similar certs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the company to success on an assigned portfolio of product development projects.
• Develops and owns a comprehensive product development plan with timelines, resources, budget, risks, dependencies, and milestones.
• Integrates functional plans into a single cross-functional development plan with clear ownership and accountability.
• Identifies and manages project risks and mitigation strategies.
• Maintains program-level risk, issue, decision, and dependency tracking and escalates as needed.
• Leads the Product Development Process (PDP) for all assigned projects with proper governance.
• Works cross-functionally to align development timelines and goals across functions.
• Leads through influence in a matrixed environment while respecting authority.
• Represents Aquestive on external pipeline projects and ensures proper resourcing and progress.
• Prepares concise program updates, risk plans, and key decisions for leadership.
• Collaborates with Commercial, Finance, and executive teams to assess ROI for each product.
• Maintains core deliverables: timelines, resource plans, budgets, governance materials, and reporting.
• Contributes to improving the product development process within Aquestive.
• Navigate internal environment effectively, driving timelines and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Program management

Communication

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering/healthcare/business

Tools

PMP Certification

Job description

Aquestive Therapeutics in the United States seeks a senior program leader to guide a portfolio of 2–3 product development projects, developing integrated cross-functional plans and aligning Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, and Finance functions. The role uses strong leadership to drive milestones and efficient resource use.

You will own the development plan, manage risks and dependencies, and collaborate across functions to ensure on-time delivery while building