Program Manager - Testing

Minaris•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager is responsible for the proactive planning, execution, and delivery of high volume routine testing and custom projects including but not limited to viral clearance, cell banking and assay development, qualification and validation projects, operating as a primary day‑to‑day owner of assigned accounts. This role is accountable for translating strategy into execution while ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, resources, risk, and client expectations. The Program Manager plays a critical role in shaping the client experience by anticipating issues, simplifying complexity, and driving disciplined execution. This individual operates with increasing autonomy and judgment, contributing to standardized ways of working while remaining hands‑on across all phases of program delivery. Success in the role requires the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments and to create structure where processes or precedents may not yet exist. The Program Manager oversees the delivery of products to clients and is the primary contact for clients. This role will manage on-time delivery, drive standard actions and deliverables, as well as, lead the team in solving technical challenges that could impact the ultimate delivery of the product to the Patient. The role communicates and coordinates with the client and internal stakeholders. The Program Manager has an in depth understanding of the processes and systems associated with managing client activities, with a solid understanding of the technical aspects of a project.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience managing complex, client‑facing programs with multiple stakeholders.
Strong execution discipline with the ability to manage detail while maintaining awareness of broader program objectives.
Ability to operate proactively in ambiguous or evolving environments.
Solid understanding of scope control, risk management, and delivery trade‑offs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to tailor messaging to technical and non‑technical audiences.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross‑functional, matrixed organizations.
Analytical mindset with sound judgment and problem‑solving capability.
Bachelor’s degree required
5+ years of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industries, preferably within CRO/CDMO/CTO business models and GMP environments.
Experience managing client‑facing projects or programs with defined deliverables and timelines.
Proficiency with common PM tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project preferred.
Experience with ERP system (e.g. SAP) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) preferred.
Experience supporting or managing regulatory‑driven deliverables (e.g., IND, BLA, or equivalent) preferred.
Ensure compliance with all FDA and Worldwide Quality & Compliance regulations in all aspects of your work.
Adhere to established procedures and protocols, prioritize continuous training and skill development, and uphold the highest standards of data integrity to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

PMP or equivalent certification preferred or in progress.

Responsibilities

Own the end‑to‑end execution of assigned client programs from signed scope through delivery, under the strategic guidance of the Associate Director.
Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, timelines, and risk registers aligned with client commitments and internal capabilities.
Proactively manage interdependencies across functions to ensure milestones are met and issues are addressed early.
Take a hands‑on approach to delivery, stepping in to resolve execution challenges and ensure continuity during periods of high complexity or change.
Anticipate operational, technical, and scheduling risks; develop and implement mitigation plans before impact occurs.
Escalate issues thoughtfully with clear analysis, options, and recommended paths forward.
Challenge assumptions within program plans, including timelines, sequencing, and resource expectations, to drive realistic and achievable delivery outcomes.
Ensure consistent, high‑quality documentation and communication across the program lifecycle.
Serve as the primary day‑to‑day point of contact for assigned clients, ensuring clear, timely, and professional communication.
Lead regular client status updates, decision‑point discussions, and issue resolution conversations via meetings, teleconferences, email, and site visits.
Simplify complex technical and operational topics for clients, enabling informed decision‑making.
Build credibility and trust with client stakeholders by demonstrating ownership, follow‑through, and sound judgment.
Manage program scope in alignment with contracted agreements; identify and communicate potential scope changes early.
Support margin protection by monitoring program execution against assumptions and flagging risks to budget or timeline.
Partner with the Associate Director and Finance team to support accurate forecasting, resource planning, and reporting.
Contribute to the identification of follow‑on work, scope expansions, or process improvements that support client growth.
Execute programs in accordance with standardized PM tools, templates, and governance structures.
Provide feedback and recommendations to improve delivery processes, tools, and ways of working.
Adopt and reinforce consistent PM discipline across accounts to support scalability and predictable execution.
Contribute to departmental initiatives focused on improving efficiency, communication, and client experience.
Partner closely with Laboratory Operations, Quality Assurance, Business Development, and other internal teams to ensure aligned execution.
Facilitate productive cross‑functional discussions, clarifying ownership, decision rights, and next steps.
Act as a reliable connector across teams, ensuring information flows effectively and issues are resolved efficiently.
Perform all responsibilities in compliance with applicable regulations, international standards, and Minaris Advanced Therapies policies and SOPs.
Support onboarding, knowledge sharing, and informal mentoring of junior PM team members as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.