Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field
5-7 years of program or project management experience in a CDMO or biopharmaceutical setting
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
Strong operational execution skills with attention to detail
Experience managing project scope, schedules, and risks
Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills
Preferred: Master’s degree or PMP certification
Responsibilities
Lead operational projects across two cell therapy assets
Act as the primary liaison between customers and cross-functional teams
Coordinate customer-driven changes and maintain timelines
Guide multidisciplinary project teams through influence and accountability
Manage program scope, schedules, risks, and quality
Establish governance and escalation processes
Identify obstacles and implement timely solutions
Benefits
Agile career and dynamic working culture
Inclusive and ethical workplace
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Opportunity to support innovative cell therapies
Exposure to complex global programs
Role offers potential for continued growth
Full Job Description
Manager, Program Management Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States
Lonza is seeking a Manager, Program Management to join our Portsmouth, NH site. This highly visible role will lead the execution of complex, operationally focused programs supporting advanced cell therapies. Acting as the primary connection between customers and cross-functional teams, you will ensure changes and project commitments are delivered safely, on time, within scope and to the highest quality standards.
This position follows a hybrid schedule with four days onsite and one day remote.
What you will get
An agile career and dynamic working culture
An inclusive and ethical workplace
Medical, dental and vision insurance
The opportunity to support innovative cell therapies addressing serious diseases, including sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes
Exposure to complex, global programs at an integrated biopharmaceutical manufacturing site
A role that combines operational execution with program leadership and offers meaningful potential for continued growth.
What you will do
Lead tactical, operationally focused projects across two cell therapy assets.
Serve as the key interface between customers and cross-functional teams, representing customer priorities and ensuring effective execution.
Coordinate a high volume of customer-driven changes and ensure actions, owners and timelines remain on track.
Lead multidisciplinary project teams through influence, accountability and clear communication.
Manage program scope, schedules, risks, issues, quality and financial performance.
Establish effective governance, milestones and escalation processes.
Identify potential obstacles and drive timely, practical solutions in a fast-moving operational environment.
Build strong relationships with customers, Account Management, site leadership and functional partners.
Apply established program-management tools and methodologies while sharing best practices across the organization.
Support asset stabilization and the program’s longer-term transition into a more traditional customer-facing program-management model.
What we are looking for
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related discipline.
Significant program or project-management experience within a CDMO life sciences, biopharmaceutical manufacturing or another complex matrix organization.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Strong operational execution skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
Ability to manage competing priorities, frequent change and complex stakeholder expectations.
Sound business judgment with experience managing project scope, schedules, risks and customer commitments.
Strong customer relationship, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work independently, hold stakeholders accountable and drive projects to completion.
Experience within a CDMO, biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment is preferred.
A master’s degree, PMP or another relevant project-management certification is preferred.
Ability to travel approximately 5% as needed.
About Lonza America Inc
Lonza America Inc is a subsidiary of Lonza Group, a Swiss multinational company that provides products and services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty ingredients markets. Lonza America Inc is responsible for the North American market and offers a range of products and services, including custom manufacturing, research and development, and quality control testing. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Lonza America Inc was founded in 1897 and has since grown to become a leading provider of products and services in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
