This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Client Program Management based in the United States.
This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of client success, program governance, and pharmaceutical operations within a highly regulated CDMO environment. You will be responsible for overseeing complex, multi-phase client programs from early development through commercialization, ensuring alignment between client expectations and internal execution capabilities. The role requires strong strategic oversight to coordinate cross-functional teams across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain functions. You will establish and maintain program management frameworks that drive consistency, transparency, and performance across a portfolio of high-impact projects. Acting as a key client-facing leader, you will manage senior stakeholder relationships, resolve escalations, and ensure successful delivery against technical, regulatory, and commercial commitments. This is a highly visible role where leadership directly influences program success, client satisfaction, and long-term business growth.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Client Program Management based in the United States.
This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of client success, program governance, and pharmaceutical operations within a highly regulated CDMO environment. You will be responsible for overseeing complex, multi-phase client programs from early development through commercialization, ensuring alignment between client expectations and internal execution capabilities. The role requires strong strategic oversight to coordinate cross-functional teams across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain functions. You will establish and maintain program management frameworks that drive consistency, transparency, and performance across a portfolio of high-impact projects. Acting as a key client-facing leader, you will manage senior stakeholder relationships, resolve escalations, and ensure successful delivery against technical, regulatory, and commercial commitments. This is a highly visible role where leadership directly influences program success, client satisfaction, and long-term business growth.
Accountabilities:
- Provide strategic oversight of a portfolio of client programs across pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, ensuring alignment with business and client objectives.
- Establish and maintain program governance structures, reporting frameworks, and KPI systems to support performance tracking and executive decision-making.
- Lead integrated program planning, resource allocation, and prioritization across cross-functional teams including development, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, and supply chain.
- Ensure execution of complex client programs against defined milestones, budgets, timelines, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Serve as the primary strategic point of contact for key client relationships, including issue resolution, governance discussions, and executive business reviews.
- Drive proactive risk identification, mitigation strategies, and resolution of operational or resource constraints across the program portfolio.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program delivery efficiency, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.
- Develop and mentor high-performing program management teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong execution discipline.
- Support business development and client retention efforts through strategic engagement, contract expansion opportunities, and proposal review input.
- Ensure adherence to quality, regulatory, and internal compliance standards across all program activities.
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, business, or related discipline required; advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MS, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in program or project management within pharmaceutical, CDMO, or similarly regulated life sciences environments.
- Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional portfolios across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial teams.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior executives and external clients.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement program governance frameworks, reporting structures, and best-practice project management methodologies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills, including leading high-level client meetings and business reviews.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to anticipate risks and drive data-informed decisions.
- Experience managing client escalations and resolving complex operational or contractual challenges in a matrix organization.
- Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel, PowerPoint, and modern AI-enabled planning tools.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred.
- Competitive annual salary aligned with senior leadership roles in the pharmaceutical CDMO industry.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Opportunity to work in a rapidly growing, innovation-driven life sciences environment.
- Leadership role with high visibility and direct impact on client success and portfolio performance.
- Exposure to end-to-end pharmaceutical development and commercialization programs.
- Strong emphasis on professional growth, continuous improvement, and leadership development.
- Collaborative, cross-functional working environment with senior executive engagement.
- Opportunity to influence strategic client relationships and long-term business expansion.