Project Leader / Sr Project Leader

Foundation Medicine

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Leader is accountable for delivering programs and solutions in line with FMI’s global product development strategy. The role provides cross-functional leadership to global project teams through feasibility and planning, execution, and program launch. It requires expertise in diagnostics development, strategic and creative thinking, and leadership across multiple disciplines. The position may be hired at the Director or Sr Director level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications. The role partners closely with the Product Manager to drive the product lifecycle, leads process improvement and change management initiatives, and promotes lessons learned and best practices for cross-functional collaboration. The Project Leader coaches team leaders and key talent, fosters a transparent and trusting team environment, and focuses on achieving strong outcomes for patients and the business. The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is identified as hybrid.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, engineering, or a related field.
12 or more years of experience in program execution, including end-to-end product lifecycle experience.
At least 5 years of experience in biotechnology.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in life sciences, business, engineering, or a related field.
Detailed knowledge of and a proven track record in clinical diagnostic product development.
Knowledge of regulatory and quality-system frameworks for design controls, validations, manufacturing, and laboratory processes.
Experience managing complex systems and programs and making effective decisions using available data.
Understanding of clinical diagnostic markets and customers, including translating customer requirements into product design.
Ability to build relationships based on trust with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience leading in a matrix environment and inspiring and guiding teams to deliver results.
Enterprise mindset and understanding of the broader organization.
Ability to develop team members and ensure they are equipped to execute effectively.
Willingness to perform hands-on work on a small, scrappy team.
Strong communication and ability to influence at all levels of the company.
Bias for action and a team-oriented approach.
Clear understanding of the implications of the work for patients.
Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy.
Commitment to FMI’s values of Integrity, Courage, and Passion.

Responsibilities

Deliver projects and programs on specification, within budget, and on schedule.
Execute a tailored strategy aligned with FMI objectives and set direction for global product development from feasibility and planning through launch.
Lead teams in developing strategic scenarios and alternative development options, evaluating cost, timing, risk, and benefit.
Guide program teams on scope, roles and responsibilities, specifications, timelines, resources, and overall development planning.
Develop strategic options that address technical, regulatory, business, and operational needs.
Guide product design and development decisions using product specifications, enterprise impacts, timelines, and resources.
Define product-development trade-offs with consideration of short- and long-term impacts on the product roadmap and enterprise plan.
Select product-development pathways based on cross-functional evaluation and risk assessment.
Build teams with an effective balance of expertise and interpersonal capabilities.
Align functions and team members behind project objectives, facilitate execution, remove roadblocks, and hold team members accountable.
Set challenging team goals and ensure best practices are applied to achieve them.
Identify risks and challenges proactively and escalate them appropriately.
Plan early and encourage cross-functional involvement and communication to support seamless transitions into later development stages.
Create a positive, trusting team environment with transparent communication and shared commitment to the project vision.
Instill urgency and a can-do attitude in team members.
Coach team leaders and key talent, monitor team performance, and develop team members.
Collaborate with the Product Manager to drive the product lifecycle.
Propose best practices and implement lessons learned to improve cross-functional collaboration.
Lead business-wide process improvement and change management initiatives.
Challenge the team and organization to achieve the best possible performance and encourage creative or unconventional ideas where appropriate.
Comply with FMI’s attendance policies.