Program Manager, Preclinical & Early Development

Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain integrated project plans for assigned early development programs (timelines, milestones, resourcing, dependencies).
- Estimate durations for work with functional leads and bench scientists; translate into program dependencies and critical path.
- Coordinate cross-functionally across Research, Translational Sciences, Nonclinical Safety/Toxicology, CMC, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and Biostats.
- Flag practical impact of scope/timing/resourcing changes; recommend best next steps.
- Facilitate project team meetings toward clear, documented decisions; maintain a decision log.
- Run partnered governance committee day-to-day rhythm and subteams (agendas, sequencing urgent items, partner counterpart coordination).
- Provide meeting materials and maintain a shared repository (current vs. archive).
- Draft and circulate minutes promptly; tie decisions to meeting.
- Convert action items to commitments with owners and due dates; follow up before next meeting.
- Track/escalate risks and issues; build contingency plans with program, functional, and partner leads.
- Prepare program status reports/dashboards/materials for review and governance.
- Maintain committee/subteam rosters; flag staffing gaps; support onboarding and track milestones.
- Support program-level resourcing and forecasting with Finance and functional leaders.
- Define and improve project management tools, templates, and processes.
- Build relationships across stakeholders and partners; help standardize practice across programs.

Qualifications:
Required:
- Master’s degree (life sciences, engineering, or related technical field); advanced degree a plus.
- 7+ years project/program management experience in biotech/pharma/CRO, from discovery through translational and early clinical development.
- Proven ability to build/manage integrated project plans and translate scientific input into realistic timelines and dependency maps.
- Strong meeting facilitation; drive cross-functional groups to documented decisions.
- Strong judgment explaining downstream impacts and trade-offs to leadership.
- Strong written/verbal communication; effective with scientists and senior leadership.
- Can get work done without formal authority.
- Organized; manage multiple complex programs.

Preferred:
- Background in immunology, oncology, or complex therapeutic areas; exposure to clinical pharmacology.
- Experience supporting external-partner governance (joint committees/working teams).
- Alliance experience.
- PMP or equivalent certification.
- Experience within a project management structure.
- Comfort with evolving role as capability grows.