Project Manager, Operations & IT

Position: Project Manager, Operations & IT

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Department: Information Technology (IT)

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite)

Experience: BS and 5+ years or MS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience in technical program and project management

Position Summary

Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for the full-time position of Project Manager, Operations & IT, reporting to our Chief Operating Officer.

This position sits within Information Technology (IT) and is responsible for leading Watchmaker Genomics' largest and most complex technology programs and projects from initiation through delivery, while also coaching and mentoring the individual contributors and project managers who run smaller-scale IT projects. This role is the primary translator of day-to-day project execution into clear, concise program-level reporting.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, technically fluent leader who can flex between hands-on program management of enterprise-wide initiatives (e.g., ERP/LIMS implementations, infrastructure and cloud upgrades, systems integrations, and cybersecurity or compliance-driven programs) and coaching less experienced project managers on project management fundamentals, tools, and best practices. Familiarity with the life sciences, biotech, or another regulated manufacturing environment is a plus.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience leading enterprise technology programs and developing other project managers, while partnering closely with executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Watchmaker's largest, most complex, and highest-risk technology programs and projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery
• Serve as a player-coach: mentor and coach individual-contributor project managers running smaller IT projects, providing hands-on guidance on project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and use of project management tools and methodologies
• Develop and maintain program-level roadmaps, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers that roll individual project data up into a cohesive portfolio view
• Build and deliver clear, concise program and portfolio status reports, dashboards, and executive-level presentations to the COO, CFO, and broader leadership team on a regular cadence
• Establish and continuously improve IT project and program management standards, templates, governance, and best practices across the department
• Partner cross-functionally with IT, R&D, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Finance stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business priorities
• Identify, escalate, and help resolve project and program risks, issues, and interdependencies; facilitate trade-off decision discussions and ensure key stakeholders are identified and engaged
• Track and report on financials (budget vs. actual) for programs and projects, partnering with the CFO's office on capital planning and spend forecasting as needed
• Support change management and adoption planning for major technology rollouts
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Please note: The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have a degree in business, information technology, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, with at least five years of relevant industry experience managing technical programs and projects (see education section below). Experience in the following areas is considered highly desirable: enterprise IT systems implementations (ERP, LIMS, CRM), infrastructure or cloud programs, and cybersecurity or compliance-driven initiatives, ideally within a regulated or life sciences environment. Previous experience coaching or leading other project managers, and prior exposure to reporting into executive or finance leadership, is considered a plus.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex, cross-functional technology programs and projects end-to-end
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or otherwise developing the project management skills of other individual contributors
• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and present portfolio-level reporting and dashboards to executive leadership (e.g., COO, CFO)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate technical project details into business and financial terms for non-technical executives
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in cross-functional and executive-facing meetings
• The ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure, and work with a high degree of autonomy
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to lead without direct authority across a matrixed organization
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid) and standard PM tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Jira, Asana)
• Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentation skills
• Ability to determine program and project timelines, budgets, and resource needs, and meet deadlines

Education and Experience

• BS in business, information technology, computer science, engineering (or related discipline) plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in technical program/project management
• M.Sc in business, information technology, computer science, engineering (or related discipline) plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience in technical program/project management
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent Project/Program Management Certification (preferred)

Compensation

The base compensation range for this role is $85,000-$110,000+ bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, employer covers 75% of base medical plan with buy-up options, EAP (employee assistance program), employer paid dental with a buy-up option, employer paid vision, employer paid $25,000 life/AD&D policy, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% match.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled; however, early submission is encouraged as review will begin immediately.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

*** NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics.

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