Senior Strategic Program Manager

Natera

4d • $140,700 - $175,900 • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Strategic Program Manager will join Natera’s Program Management Office to manage complex Research & Development programs. The role leads cross-functional programs to launch new clinical diagnostic products and enhance existing products, applying structured project management practices to coordinate scientific, business, operational, and engineering teams. The position manages dependencies and risks and provides clear, data-driven updates to leadership.

This role ensures high-priority company initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The program manager leads product development from early concept through commercialization and post-launch, champions Design Control excellence, and may manage up to four programs simultaneously. The position is remote in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 4 years of program management experience in biotech, life sciences, or another regulated technical industry.
• Project management certification or training, such as PMP or equivalent.
• Proven experience creating and maintaining highly complex Gantt charts, project plans, and risk/RAID logs.
• Expert proficiency with project management and scheduling tools such as SmartSheet or equivalent.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and non-technical teams and with functional management.
• Strong organization, resilience, adaptability, time management, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced, evolving environment; ability to model a growth mindset during challenging interactions.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• PhD degree.
• Background in research, assay development, systems engineering, laboratory operations, or software development.
• Familiarity with laboratory informatics systems and processes, including LIMS, sample accessioning, sequencing pipelines, and results reporting.
• At least 5 years of project budget management experience.
• Experience with software development lifecycle principles, data architecture patterns such as SOA, and agile tools such as Jira or GitLab.
• Understanding of product development under FDA Design Controls, including documentation standards and regulations such as 21 CFR, ISO 13485, ISO 15189, EU IVDR, and Section 524B for Cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional programs to bring new clinical products to market and enhance existing products, with a focus on Design Control and New Product Introduction in a regulated environment.
• Partner with R&D, business, operations, and engineering teams to define goals, milestones, and plans that balance resources, risks, and priorities.
• Lead product development from early concept through commercialization and post-launch, ensuring alignment, transparency, and momentum.
• Develop and maintain program documentation, including project plans, protocols, and reports.
• Track progress and communicate results through data-driven reports and regular leadership updates.
• Manage Design Control activities, including gate reviews, design freezes, technical assessments, change control, and regulatory deliverables.
• Facilitate team meetings to drive decisions, identify and mitigate risks, and maintain focus on program objectives.
• Guide trade-off and risk decisions across technical, business, and regulatory considerations; challenge assumptions and adapt to changing priorities.
• Foster collaboration and problem-solving to help teams overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and deliver high-quality results on time.
• Coordinate joint development efforts with external partners.
• Manage up to four programs concurrently, anticipating challenges and maintaining progress in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families.
• Fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee referral program.

What This Job Offers

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