Program Manager / Senior Program Manager, Life Science

Position Overview

Argonaut Program Managers (PMs) are responsible for managing cross-functional activities for a portfolio of clients in domestic and international markets, overseeing all aspects and management of development and/or cGMP manufacturing projects. PMs are accountable for project scope development, creating comprehensive schedules, monitoring deliverables and milestones, contributing to feasibility studies, and marshalling internal colleagues and subject matter experts to deliver on-time and on-budget for Argonaut clientele. This role is 100% on-site position Monday - Friday 8 hours/day (excluding lunch break). Overtime, weekends and holidays may be required. Flexible start time between 7:00 am - 9:00 with a consistent schedule. Exceptions to the schedule must be approved by the manager in advance.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead, build and oversee multiple cross-functional project teams of representatives from relevant functions; chair internal and customer project teams
• Develop full-scale project plans / schedules with work breakdown structure; define, track, and maintain accountability for milestones, schedules, and timelines
• Responsible for overall project knowledge and execution according to agreed upon deliverables and timelines
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path and go / no-go decisions
• Perform risk assessments and propose risk mitigation strategies for projects
• Prepare weekly / monthly reports, agendas, meeting minutes, and presentations
• Communicate all project issues / needs to both internal and external stakeholders, and provide frequent presentations on project status to Executive Management
• Customer contact on all project related issues and communication; ensure appropriate and timely communication is maintained
• Evaluate, highlight, and escalate unresolved issues, potential obstacles, and resource constraints to supervisor and / or key stakeholders
• Represent the "Voice of the Client" while maintaining primary allegiance to Argonaut and colleagues
• Assist and contribute as needed to the quoting process for Change Orders and new business opportunities
• Communicate any changes in project scope with internal teams and Business Development; communicate clearly to the clients and ensure changes are fully documented
• Assist Business Development in maintaining and nurturing client relationships
• Strategic portfolio overview within Commercial/Program Management Organization
• Identify, contribute to, and lead internal initiatives for continuous improvement of business processes, project delivery and profitability
• Change management and training of colleagues within and outside the department aimed at improving performance on projects

Requirements and Qualifications

• The successful candidate will work out of our offices based in Carlsbad CA - this is not a remote position
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific related discipline (BSc / MSc / B Eng / MEng Chemistry / Molecular Biology / Engineering or relevant discipline; project Management accreditation (PMP preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience (life science CMO / CDMO preferred);
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory techniques and manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP software (Netsuite preferred), MS Office (MS Excel a must), MS Project (or similar Project Management platforms such as Jira) and MasterControl (or similar QMS)
• Deadline-driven with a high level of organizational and planning skills; results oriented
• Strong analytical, problem-solving / solutions orientation; intellectual curiosity
• Thrives on collaboration, openness, and a shared sense of purpose - able to influence without authority; capable of working independently as required
• Proven multi-tasking skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, motivate teams, work within aggressive timelines collaboratively with cross-functional departments; capable of effectively managing competing priorities; presenting ideas clearly and concisely
• Exceptional client service/focus and interpersonal skills; work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines; exceptional oral and written communication skills