Overview
Skills
Job Details
Job Title: Global Program Manager (Contractor)
Location: Foster City, CA or Santa Monica, CA Hybrid
Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Global Program Manager with 17 18+ years of experience to support strategic product and development teams in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will possess deep experience in drug development, cross-functional project leadership, and oncology or other therapeutic areas. This role partners closely with Product Team Leaders and Development Leads to align program objectives, manage risks, ensure operational excellence, and deliver key outcomes across complex portfolios.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle, experience managing matrixed project teams, and familiarity with tools such as Planisware. Former Gilead or Kite Pharma professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as a strategic partner to cross-functional leadership, enabling execution of program strategy.
Drive alignment across teams, track interdependencies, and ensure timely delivery of objectives.
Lead planning, goal setting, and risk mitigation activities across development programs.
Manage portfolio dashboards and maintain accurate timelines and program data.
Prepare and lead governance meetings, portfolio reviews, and executive updates.
Collaborate with Finance and Operations to support budget forecasting and operating plans.
Develop high-quality executive presentations to support strategy, progress, and decision-making.
Promote transparency, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications:
10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
Bachelor s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field (required).
Proven experience managing complex programs within a matrixed, global environment.
Strong understanding of drug development and clinical research phases.
Experience working with cross-functional teams across R&D, Regulatory, Clinical, and Commercial.
Preferred Qualifications:
Background in oncology, cell therapy, or other therapeutic areas (highly preferred).
Experience with Planisware or similar portfolio/project management tools.
PMP certification or equivalent project management training (nice to have).
Prior experience at Gilead or Kite Pharma preferred.
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
Ability to work independently and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.