Associate Program Director, Digital Solutions
Abbott
Summary
The Associate Program Director, Digital Solutions is responsible for organizing and executing a portfolio of programs to support the product development pipeline. The role is responsible for leading cross-functional teams from program initiation to commercialization to meet agreed milestones and deliverables within the program's allocated budget. The role serves as the face of the program portfolio while including reporting core team progress, risks/mitigations, key challenges and proposed resolutions etc, to senior leadership.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Define program scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders
- Develop detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets
- Lead cross-functional teams to successfully deliver program outcomes
- Monitor progress, track milestones, and adjust plans as needed
- Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Manage program resources effectively, including personnel and budget
- Communicate program status, updates, and risks to stakeholders and leadership
- Ensure alignment with organizational goals, quality standards, and best practices
- Facilitate meetings, maintain documentation, and ensure program governance
- Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and process optimization
- Apply project management methodologies and best practices
- Prioritize and balance multiple competing priorities within and across multiple projects at the same time
- Work in a matrix management organization with primary responsibility for project success while relying on cross-functional team members, which are not direct reports
- Ensure compliance with all relevant standards and quality expectations for digital health and software as a medical device (SaMD), including: Quality management system and software lifecycle requirements; Product safety and reliability expectations; Labeling and instructions for use; Design control obligations under both US and International regulations
Key Competencies
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and resilience
- Self Starter
- Leadership and team collaboration
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Time management and prioritization
- Risk management
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., engineering, data science, software)
- 12+ years of end-end program management experience within a medical device/biomedical/life sciences industry with a global regulatory context
- Demonstrated experience of Design Controls processes, compliant with ISO 13485 standards and 21 CFR 820 regulations
- Working knowledge of FDA 510(K) and/or EU MDR regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated experience in Digital Health product development processes
- Demonstrated success in risk management, change management, and strategic planning
- PMP Certification, Agile Training/Certification
- Experience with Project management tools (MS Office, Smartsheets)
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate with multiple levels in the organization
- Ability to influence and persuade while remaining results orientated
- Experience with budgeting and financial tracking
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or other related advanced degree
- Familiarity with application of AI technologies in a clinical setting
- Experience with interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7, SMART on FHIR)
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., engineering, data science, software)
- 12+ years of end-end program management experience within a medical device/biomedical/life sciences industry with a global regulatory context
- Demonstrated experience of Design Controls processes, compliant with ISO 13485 standards and 21 CFR 820 regulations
- Working knowledge of FDA 510(K) and/or EU MDR regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated experience in Digital Health product development processes
- Demonstrated success in risk management, change management, and strategic planning
- PMP Certification, Agile Training/Certification
- Experience with Project management tools (MS Office, Smartsheets)
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate with multiple levels in the organization
- Ability to influence and persuade while remaining results orientated
- Experience with budgeting and financial tracking
- MBA or other related advanced degree
- Familiarity with application of AI technologies in a clinical setting
- Experience with interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7, SMART on FHIR)
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student debt program
- Education benefit
- Career development
Company overview
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare leader with a 135-year legacy of innovation, dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives through life-changing technologies and products. Headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, the company operates in more than 160 countries with a workforce of approximately 114,000 professionals. Abbott's diversified portfolio spans four core business segments: medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company is particularly renowned for its groundbreaking medical devices including cardiovascular technologies, diabetes management systems like the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor, neuromodulation devices for chronic pain, and the AVEIR DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. In diagnostics, Abbott has been instrumental in developing critical tests, including the first licensed HIV test in 1985 that helped secure blood supply safety. The company's nutrition division produces leading infant formulas like Similac, while its pharmaceutical business provides quality branded generic medicines. Abbott consistently ranks among Fortune's Most Admired Companies and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, making it a trusted partner in advancing global healthcare.