Bachem

Strategic Initiatives Manager

Bachem$112K — $154K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, life sciences, or related field
  • Master's degree preferred
  • 6+ years of experience in business strategy and program/project management
  • 3+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or regulated environments preferred
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred
  • Strong project and program management skills including governance frameworks and risk management
  • Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Power BI

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives from start to finish, defining scope and KPIs
  • Support the President in transforming strategic priorities into actionable plans
  • Oversee regional project portfolio management in line with Global EPMO standards
  • Create executive-level materials and reports for informed leadership decisions
  • Facilitate planning workshops and performance reviews for effective decision-making
  • Conduct analyses to evaluate strategic options and gauge business impact

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and annual performance bonus
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution
  • Paid vacation, personal and sick days
  • Commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability
Full Job Description
A brief overview

The Strategic Initiatives Manager operates within the President's Office and leads cross-functional strategic initiatives and enterprise projects within Bachem Americas. This role partners closely with the President, Site Leaders, Executive Leadership Team, and key stakeholders to plan and implement high-priority initiatives that drive operational performance, growth, and organizational effectiveness. The position combines hands-on project/program leadership with analytical and decision support, including preparation of business cases, leadership briefings, and recommendations. The Strategic Initiatives Manager also supports regional project portfolio oversight in alignment with the Global EPMO, ensuring visibility, prioritization input, and alignment of initiatives across Bachem Americas. Operating in a matrix environment, the Strategic Initiatives Manager drives alignment and implementation through structured planning, collaboration, and disciplined follow-through rather than formal authority.

What you will do

  • Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives from initiation through completion, including defining scope, timelines, milestones, KPIs, governance, deliverables, and coordination across functions and sites.
  • Support the President in translating strategic priorities into actionable, measurable initiatives; prepares business cases, leadership briefings, analyses, and recommendations.
  • Support regional project portfolio management in alignment with the Global EPMO, including project intake, prioritization input, progress tracking, dependency mapping, risk identification, and implementation of PM standards
  • Prepare executive-level materials, reports, and dashboards to support leadership decision-making. Cascade strategies, decisions, and priorities through clear communication and structured cross-functional engagement.
  • Design and facilitate BAM Project Portfolio Management board meetings, planning workshops, and performance reviews that support effective decision-making and enterprise alignment.
  • Conduct financial, operational, and scenario analysis to evaluate strategic options and quantify business impact.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, life sciences, or related field
  • Master's degree (preferred)
  • 6+ years' experience in business strategy and program/project management
  • 3+ years' experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or regulated environments Pref
  • Certification Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent (preferred)
  • Strong project and program management capabilities, including governance frameworks, reporting standards, resource planning, risk management, and execution tracking.
  • Experience implementing PMO governance frameworks, reporting standards, and operational best practices
  • Ability to translate strategy into structured execution plans
  • Executive communication and presentation skills
  • Strong analytical and financial modeling capability
  • Ability to influence stakeholders in a matrix organization.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and fast-moving environments.
  • Problem-solving and structured thinking
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI)
  • Expertise in Project management tools and ability to utilize project and portfolio management systems.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, tact and diplomacy in all aspects of work.
  • 20 - 30 % Regular travel between Torrance and Vista sites; occasional travel for leadership meetings or strategic initiatives


Base salary range: $112,000 - $154,000

Placement of new hires in this wage range is based on several factors including education, skill sets, experience, and training.

Total Rewards

We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees' environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.

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About Bachem

Bachem is a Swiss biochemical company that provides services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company specializes in the development of innovative, efficient manufacturing processes and the reliable production of peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients. Bachem has a global presence with headquarters in Switzerland and subsidiaries in Europe, the US, and Asia. The company was founded in 1971 and has since become a leading supplier of peptides worldwide. Bachem's products are used in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Learn more about Bachem
Size
1,200 employees
Industry

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