Director, Program Management

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc.

$196K — $240K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of relevant experience in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences; advanced degree with 8+ years preferred
  • Strong understanding of drug development and commercialization processes
  • Experience in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects, particularly in late-stage drug development (phase 3)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of clinical, commercial, regulatory, and technical operations/CMC
  • Proficiency in project management tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, and Excel
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across teams

Responsibilities

  • Support the Program Leader in planning, executing, and delivering multiple asset development projects
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on company and program objectives
  • Ensure agenda topics and outputs align with strategic development plans
  • Develop and maintain detailed integrated project plans with goals, deliverables, timelines, and resources
  • Identify and manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies proactively
  • Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and stakeholders
  • Create and manage program reports for executive and governance teams

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage
  • Flexible time off and paid holidays
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • 401(k) match and annual bonus opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits
  • Disability and life insurance coverage
  • Equity grants to support employee long-term well-being and financial future
Full Job Description
What You'll Do:

The Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Clinical, Regulatory, Non-clinical, and Technical Operations, and Commercial to drive the overall program and several others forward. This individual will oversee the development and execution of project plans from initiation to completion, ensuring the plan is completed on time, in scope, and within budget. Additionally, they will work closely with teams to proactively identify potential risks and implement effective solutions. A successful candidate must have experience managing drug development projects in a fast-paced environment, with a strong willingness to build relationships with cross-functional teams, dive into details, and address gaps as needed to ensure program success.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week).

Responsibilities:
  • Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. Clinical, Regulatory, Non-clinical, and Technical Operations, etc.) to ensure alignment with company and program objectives
  • Collaborate with Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs are aligned with the overall strategic development plan for the program
  • Develop and own detailed integrated project plans, including goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements
  • Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies
  • Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency
  • Create and own program reports to executive and other governance teams


Required Qualifications:
  • Strong understanding of drug development & commercialization and how biotech functions integrate
  • Experience in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects, with late-stage drug development (phase 3 experience required)
  • Experience in strategic planning for NDA filing, post approval commitments and US commercialization strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience and strong working knowledge of cross-functional areas - including clinical development, commercial, regulatory, and technical operations/CMC - and an understanding of how these functions operate and integrate across the drug development lifecycle
  • Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
  • Responds to changing priorities and uncertainty by maintaining composure, resilience, and an open mind while embracing change in an evolving environment
  • Proven record of collaboration and excellent communication
  • Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Excel, think-cell, OnePager)
  • Experience spanning both pharma and biotech environments, including time at larger organizations and lean, high growth biotechnology companies
  • Prior experience in general medicine therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, diabetes, endocrinology, metabolic disease, or similar) is preferred


Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree with at least 8 years of project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry
  • Masters in life sciences, PMP certification preferred


Salary Range

$196,000-$240,000 USD

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company's good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants-because your well-being and future matter to us.

#LI-Hybrid

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