Project Manager - III

Job Title: Project Manager - III
Location Available: Santa Monica, CA 90404
Duration: 8 Months+ Contract (Possibilities of Extension)
 
Pay Rate: $85 - $93/hr. on W2

Role Overview:
The Global Program Manager (GPM) serves as a strategic partner to the Product Team Leader (PTL) and Development Lead, ensuring cross-functional alignment and accountability across the Product Team (PT) and Research and Development Team (RDT). The GPM drives program strategy execution, manages timelines, risks, and resources, and delivers clear, data-driven communication to leadership and stakeholders. This role holds primary responsibility for overall program outcomes.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Drive alignment across program interdependencies and portfolio-level objectives.
• Collaborate closely with PTL and Development Lead to execute the program strategy.
• Lead goal-setting, progress tracking, and communicate outcomes across teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain data accuracy and timeline integrity within enterprise portfolio management systems.
• Monitor, escalate, and mitigate program risks effectively.
• Prepare teams for governance meetings such as Portfolio Committee and Development Review Committee.
• Lead bi-annual operating plan processes, including cost forecasting and budget management.
• Partner with finance, operations, and functional leaders to manage program budgets and resources.
• Facilitate transparent communication and informed decision-making across cross-functional teams.
• Monitor program health metrics and KPIs, ensuring leadership is kept informed.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop executive-ready presentations and materials communicating program status and strategic insights.

 
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech industries.
• Strong foundation in project management principles; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
• Extensive project management experience within pharmaceutical or biotech settings.

 
Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in one or more domains: Research, Development, or Commercialization.
• Strong understanding of the drug development lifecycle, especially Early Development.
• Experience in oncology and cell therapy preferred.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, able to navigate ambiguity.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in dynamic environments.
• Experience with Planisware or similar project portfolio management tools preferred.