Program Manager / Senior Program Manager, Life Science

Argonaut Manufacturing Services•Carlsbad, CA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Argonaut Manufacturing Services Inc. is a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, dedicated to serving innovative companies in the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, and molecular diagnostics industries. As a full-service, cost-effective partner, Argonaut provides complete solutions in formulation, filling, and final kitting of reagents and consumables, backed by quality and regulatory expertise to ensure manufacturing excellence and supply chain reliability. The Program Manager (PM) role is crucial for managing cross-functional activities for a diverse client portfolio across domestic and international markets. This position oversees all aspects of development and/or cGMP manufacturing projects, including scope development, schedule creation, deliverable and milestone monitoring, feasibility studies, and coordinating internal teams and subject matter experts to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget for Argonaut's clientele. This is a 100% on-site position, Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day (excluding lunch). Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required. The role offers a flexible start time between 7:00 am and 9:00 am with a consistent schedule, though exceptions require manager approval.

Requirements

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.
Ability 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.
Authorization to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

PMP accreditation
Life science CMO/CDMO experience

Responsibilities

Lead, build, and oversee multiple cross-functional project teams, including representatives from relevant functions; chair internal and customer project teams.
Develop full-scale project plans and schedules with a work breakdown structure; define, track, and maintain accountability for milestones, schedules, and timelines.
Maintain overall project knowledge and ensure execution according to agreed-upon deliverables and timelines.
Identify and manage project dependencies, critical paths, 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 and needs to both internal and external stakeholders, and provide frequent presentations on project status to Executive Management.
Serve as the primary customer contact for all project-related issues and communication, ensuring appropriate and timely communication.
Evaluate, highlight, and escalate unresolved issues, potential obstacles, and resource constraints to supervisors and/or key stakeholders.
Represent the "Voice of the Client" while maintaining primary allegiance to Argonaut and colleagues.
Assist and contribute to the quoting process for Change Orders and new business opportunities.
Communicate any changes in project scope with internal teams and Business Development; ensure clear communication to clients and that changes are fully documented.
Assist Business Development in maintaining and nurturing client relationships.
Provide strategic portfolio overview within the Commercial/Program Management Organization.
Identify, contribute to, and lead internal initiatives for continuous improvement of business processes, project delivery, and profitability.
Manage change and provide training to colleagues within and outside the department to improve project performance.