Manager, Program Management
Lonza
Summary
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.
Job description
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.
Requirements
- 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
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Agile career development
- Dynamic working culture
- Inclusive and ethical workplace
Company overview
Lonza is a pioneering global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and a world leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing services. Founded in 1897 in Switzerland, the company has evolved into the first and original CDMO, now operating as one of the largest Western CDMO networks with approximately 19,000 employees across more than 30 sites spanning five continents. Lonza specializes in transforming therapeutic discoveries into life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for patients worldwide. The company's comprehensive services span from early development to drug substance and drug product manufacturing, covering established and emerging technologies including mammalian biologics, small molecules, highly potent APIs, bioconjugates, mRNA, microbial products, and cell and gene therapies. With a focus on cutting-edge science, smart technology, and lean manufacturing, Lonza serves a diverse customer base ranging from emerging biotechs to global pharmaceutical companies, delivering integrated solutions throughout the entire treatment lifecycle.