Life Sciences Program Manager

Haag, a Salas O'Brien Company•Springdale, OH

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager is responsible for driving business growth and financial performance by delivering exceptional client satisfaction. This role focuses on expanding the existing client base through the development of strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders, including procurement, engineering, operations, and plant leadership. Serving as a visible ambassador for the team, the Program Manager secures new work, leads and empowers project teams, acts as the primary liaison between clients and execution teams, and consistently upholds company values and standards. This position reports to the Director of Business Development and works closely with divisional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in Life Sciences, engineering, manufacturing, automation, capital projects, or technical services supporting regulated environments.
7-10 years of Program and/or Project Management experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, healthcare, CDMO/CMO/CRO, or laboratory environments.
Demonstrated success managing large-scale programs involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams while delivering business and operational objectives.
Experience in at least two of the following Life Sciences sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Healthcare, CDMO/CMO/CRO, Cell & Gene Therapy, or Laboratory Services.
STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF REGULATORY AND QUALITY STANDARDS, INCLUDING CGMP (21 CFR PARTS 210/211), FDA REGULATIONS, ISPE GUIDELINES, GAMP 5, AND ASME BPE, WITH EXPERIENCE OPERATING WITHIN VALIDATED AND HIGHLY REGULATED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENTS.
PROVEN EXPERIENCE MANAGING ENTERPRISE-LEVEL CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING AS A STRATEGIC PROGRAM LEAD, ENSURING ALIGNMENT BETWEEN CLIENT OBJECTIVES, OPERATIONAL EXECUTION, AND BUSINESS OUTCOMES.
DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO LEAD CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS, DRIVE PROGRAM GOVERNANCE, MANAGE RISKS, AND COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH EXECUTIVE STAKEHOLDERS.
Strong understanding of engineering, automation, procurement and construction services.
Demonstrated experience successfully executing the development and closure of proposal opportunities.
Demonstrated experience in contract structuring and negotiation.
Excellent analytical skills with ability to conduct market research and trend analysis.
Proven track record of successfully managing clients and conflict management.
Strong financial acumen and understanding of project profitability metrics.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
PMP, PGMP, or equivalent project/program management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and deepen relationships with key client stakeholders to create a sustainable pipeline and backlog aligned with financial targets.
Develop a strong understanding of each client’s priorities, invest in their success, and identify how Salas O’Brien can help them achieve their goals.
Serve as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring a responsive, low-friction client experience.
Develop and deliver client-ready presentations that communicate capabilities, summarize scope and schedule, and clearly outline risks, recommendations, and required decisions.
Provide high-level project updates to client stakeholders to maintain alignment and transparency.
Provide ongoing and annual updates to client stakeholders on Salas O’Brien services and capabilities.
Proactively identify and resolve client and project issues by facilitating timely communication, managing conflict, and aligning stakeholders on next steps.
Develop account growth strategies, including introducing new services, cross-selling, and expanding into additional client sites.
Partner with internal stakeholders to define pursuit strategies and strengthen proposals.
Demonstrate leadership behaviors that reinforce the company’s core values.
Serve as a visible ambassador of the firm with clients, partners, and industry organizations.
Partner across the Cincinnati division, the broader Business Unit, and other divisions to win and deliver work as One Salas O’Brien.
Support business planning by defining, tracking, and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs).
Facilitate negotiations for client contracts, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.
Structure contracts that drive business forward while maintaining profitability.
Collaborate with internal leadership and project teams to ensure contract terms align with operational capabilities.
Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for renewal and expansion.
Coach and mentor project managers and client-facing seller-doers to strengthen capabilities and performance.
Create a collaborative, accountable team environment that promotes ownership and continuous improvement.
Partner with internal stakeholders to align communication and priorities and drive efficient execution across teams.
Collaborate closely with divisional leadership team to align activities with overall company strategy and ensure growth targets and profit goals are met.
Coordinate with project delivery teams to ensure a seamless transition from sales through execution and strong project performance across the Cincinnati division, the broader Business Unit, and other divisions.
Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development to develop marketing collateral, engage clients, and represent the firm at industry events and tradeshows.