R&D Program Manager

Spyglass Pharma • Aliso Viejo, CA

4d • $140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Program Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program Management, this role will support and gradually take on leadership of cross-functional R&D projects across the product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment of activities, timelines, and deliverables.
This position is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in pharmaceutical or medical device R&D who are looking to expand into program management and build capabilities in integrated planning, cross-functional coordination, and program execution.
The successful candidate will bring strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to connect interdependent activities to drive project outcomes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, while gaining exposure to broader program objectives and company priorities. This role offers the opportunity to progressively take on increased ownership and responsibility, with a clear path toward leading cross-functional programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or related discipline
• 3–6 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device R&D including experience supporting cross-functional projects or project management activities
• Foundational understanding of product development lifecycles (early stage through clinical to commercialization) and regulatory environment governing drug and device development
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and identify dependencies across workstreams in a cross-functional environment
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or training
• Experience within one or more R&D functions (e.g., Clinical, CMC, Product Development) in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device environments
• Experience supporting cross-functional projects or development programs
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms)
• Experience in ophthalmology or combination product development (strong plus)

Responsibilities

• Supports development and maintenance of cross-functional project plans, including timelines, milestones, and dependencies
• Tracks progress against deliverables and proactively identifies risks, delays, and downstream impacts across functions
• Contributes to ensuring functional activities are aligned into a cohesive, executable project plan
• Coordinates with Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, and other functions to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and priorities
• Drives follow-up on action items and ensures accountability across team members
• Builds strong working relationships across functions to support effective collaboration
• Identifies, assesses, and tracks project risks and issues, including potential impact on timelines, scope, and key milestones
• Escalates risks and issues in a timely manner, providing clear context and potential impact to support decision-making
• Prepares project status updates, dashboards, and presentations for team and leadership review
• Facilitates team meetings, including agenda development, clear documentation of decisions, and tracking of action items to closure
• Maintains organized and accurate project documentation and repositories, ensuring accessibility and consistency across timelines, presentations, and team materials
• Contributes to business process and systems improvement through Program Management departmental assignments

Benefits

• Annual Bonus opportunity
• Stock options
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation days, and personal leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level