VP of Program Management & Strategy

Bionova Scientific LLC; United States; On-site; USD 260,000 - 295,000; Full time

Job summary

Bionova Scientific LLC, a rapidly growing biologics CDMO, seeks a seasoned Program & Project Manager to lead multiple client engagements from development through GMP execution at our Fremont, California site.

You will direct, mentor, and optimize the Program Management team, manage budgets and schedules, chair stakeholder meetings, and partner with Quality, Manufacturing and Regulatory to deliver high-impact programs on time and within scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree – life science discipline required.
• 15+ years of GMP facility or biologics programme/project management experience.
• Experience in recombinant protein or biologics development to GMP manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to engage with CEO and senior leadership in matrix organisations.

Responsibilities

• Direct, mentor, and manage the Program Management team in strategic planning and execution of multiple concurrent client engagements.
• Own successful project delivery across timelines, scope, and profitability for activities spanning development through GMP execution.
• Develop and maintain project plans, budgets, schedules, and expenditures for each client engagement.
• Organise and chair stakeholder and client meetings; document minutes and follow up on actions.
• Assess risks and provide solutions; manage stakeholder expectations toward best outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strategic business partnerships and client relationships; provide technical and scientific expertise.
• Gather client feedback and suggest new services.
• Communicate cross-departmentally to ensure program alignment.

Skills

Program Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Communications

GMP Experience

Biologics / Mammalian Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree – life science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow. Our business sectors, Material, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment. Bionova is a rapidly growing, biologics CDMO focused on developing and manufacturing recombinant protein products using mammalian cell culture processes. Our business success is built on bringing together top scientific talent, arming them with the best available tools, and setting them loose in an agile, energized culture focused on solving difficult client problems. Because our success depends on our ability to exceed our clients’ expectations, we look for candidates with an innate desire to serve. Adaptability and an interest in transformative action are also common attributes among our team. Bionova became a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Medical in May 2022, a division of Tokyo-based Asahi Kasei Group. This acquisition has enabled Bionova to greatly accelerate growth of the business, both in capacity of current service offerings and expansion into new service offerings.

Company: Bionova Scientific LLC

Program & Project Management

• Direct, mentor, and manage the Program Management team in the strategic planning and execution of multiple concurrent client engagements.
• Own successful project delivery across tight timelines, scope of work, and cost/profitability for contracted activities spanning development through GMP execution, across pDNA and mammalian development programs.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, work hours, budgets, and expenditures for each client engagement; create a project management calendar for fulfilling each program goal and objective.
• Assure accurate transfer of contracts from proposal through project completion, ensuring all project documentation and frameworks are maintained appropriately.
• Organise, attend, and regularly participate in stakeholder and client meetings; chair and facilitate meetings where appropriate, documenting and distributing minutes and following up on key actions and decisions.
• Assess project risks and issues and provide solutions where applicable; ensure stakeholder views are managed toward the best outcome.
• Develop and maintain strategic business partnerships and client relationships; provide technical and scientific expertise to current and prospective clients.
• Develop and present proposals, acting as technical expert or in partnership with cross‑functional experts (Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, etc.).
• Gather client feedback, suggest new products/services, and make recommendations for improving existing service offerings.
• Communicate and collaborate cross‑departmentally with directors, supervisors, and scientists to ensure program alignment and support company objectives and milestones.
• Effectively prioritize multiple concurrent programs, monitor progress of ongoing activities, and implement course corrections as needed using project management and process‑improvement disciplines.

Program Management Team Leadership

• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and off‑boarding of Program Management staff, with appropriate approvals, to maximise resource utilisation and profitability.
• Ensure all direct reports receive training, mentorship, and supervision that supports high engagement and a strong pipeline of PM talent.
• Provide supervisory duties for direct reports, including annual reviews, monthly coaching sessions, performance plans, and career development.
• Coach, mentor, and train the PM team in pursuit of excellence, building a high‑performing, client‑focused function.
• Champion Bionova’s reputation for Science, Quality, Speed, and Service, improving processes to optimise workflows, resource management, and productivity across programs.
• Serve as liaison between programme teams, staff, and leadership on client satisfaction, programme status, and site‑wide planning.

Strategy & Leadership Support

• Act as “thought partner,” broker for the senior leadership team on internal and external matters relevant to programme delivery and company strategy.
• Coordinate and/or host routine leadership meetings - Revenue Forecasting, Leadership Meetings, Strategy Sessions, and Project Review Meetings - tracking action items and reporting progress on programme and portfolio status.
• Monitor and report progress on key strategic initiatives to the CEO, triage and escalated issues as appropriate to sustain momentum.
• Support the development of executive‑level presentations and board materials, including programme and portfolio updates; attend executive/board meetings to capture and distribute notes.
• Translate corporate strategy into programme‑level deliverables that can be measured and managed.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in an office environment, with regular walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching, and occasional independent lifting/moving of up to 20 pounds.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree – life science discipline or related field required.
• 15+ years of experience in a GMP facility or biologics programme/project management, including a strong background in strategy execution.
• Broad experience across recombinant protein and/or other biologic production (mammalian and related technologies), spanning early development through GMP manufacturing.
• Proven ability to anticipate and remediate problems, with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, influence, and communication skills capable of engaging a CEO and senior leadership team, as well as clients and cross‑functional teams within a matrix organisation.
• Experience working in high‑growth, collaborative, entrepreneurial organisations, with a strong work ethic and comfort delivering against challenging commitments.
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; strong commitment to quality, attention to detail, and proven ability to lead teams.

Location: Fremont, California

The base compensation range for this role is $260,000-$295,000. Base Compensation is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to: time in the role, previous experience, skills, knowledge, performance, work requirements, internal equity, and business / economic conditions.

#LI-MG1

As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 46,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. In North America, Asahi Kasei currently has over 23 business units and 10,000 employees. Our People Asahi Kasei recognizes that our people are our greatest strength. We operate with an emphasis on developing our employees and promoting from within. Our broad spectrum of companies within the Material, Homes, and Health Care sectors allows employees to collaborate across locations and industries. The possibilities for employees will continue to grow as we accelerate new business activity internally and externally through mergers and acquisitions.

Our People

Asahi Kasei offers a comprehensive benefits package, growth opportunities throughout our companies, and a diverse environment to enhance your career. As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.

Recruitment & Development

Asahi Kasei in North America emphasises recruiting key talent within the region. Across our multiple business units, we focus on growth, innovation, and initiative to help develop our people and give them the resources they need to succeed. Part of our mission is to be a good corporate citizen, dedicating our time to employees, customers, and communities around us. As an employer, Asahi Kasei offers a comprehensive benefits package, growth opportunities throughout our companies, and a diverse environment to enhance your career.