Associate Director, Program Management (Early Pipeline)

Kailera Therapeutics•Waltham, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including clinical, regulatory, nonclinical, and technical operations—to advance program development and related projects. The role oversees project planning and execution from initiation through completion, ensuring work is delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while identifying risks and implementing solutions. The position supports Kailera’s mid-stage assets in Phase 1 and Phase 2 development: KAI-4729 (tri-agonist injectable) and Safiglipron (oral GLP-1). The role is hub-based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with onsite work required three to four days per week. The successful candidate will bring drug-development project management experience in a fast-paced environment, build relationships across functions, work through detailed project needs, and address gaps to support program success. The position supports the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects and provides updates and reports to stakeholders and governance teams.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry.
Strong understanding of drug development and how biotech functions integrate.
Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects.
Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills.
Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Comfort navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
Ability to respond to changing priorities and uncertainty with composure, resilience, an open mind, and adaptability.
Proven record of collaboration and excellent communication.
Proficiency with project management tools, such as Smartsheet, MS Project, Excel, think-cell, and OnePager.
Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience with early- to mid-stage drug development, prior to EOP2.
Advanced degree.
High learning agility, curiosity, and experience in highly competitive therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, nonclinical, and technical operations, to align work with company and program objectives.
Work with the Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs align with the program’s strategic development plan.
Develop and own detailed integrated project plans, including goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
Identify and manage program risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
Monitor project progress and provide regular, clear updates to the Program Leader and other stakeholders.
Own program reports and dashboards for executive and other governance teams.