Sr. Manager Business Effectiveness PMO

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position is based in either San Diego, CA, or Princeton, NJ. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average. Position Summary: The Sr. Manager, Business Effectiveness PMO leads high-impact commercial programs that drive organizational effectiveness, growth, and transformation. This role oversees the planning and execution of enterprise-wide initiatives including organizational restructures, commercialization readiness, and market expansion, while ensuring strong governance, risk management, and delivery discipline. Partnering closely with Commercial, HR, and Finance leaders, this role integrates program and change management to ensure initiatives are successfully adopted and deliver sustained business value. The Sr. Manager also provides oversight of vendor partnerships and commercial budget management, serving as a trusted advisor during periods of significant change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
3–5 years of progressive experience in a commercial role, with significant exposure to cross-functional leadership.
Project or program management certifications preferred (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma).
Change management certification strongly preferred or demonstrated, hands-on experience applying change management principles.
Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or healthcare industry preferred.
Proven experience leading complex, enterprise-wide programs supporting commercial growth and organizational change.
Experience partnering with senior leaders and executive sponsors to drive alignment, decision-making, and results.
Strong program and project management expertise, with deep knowledge of PMO governance, methodologies, and best practices.
Demonstrated change management expertise, including leading adoption, managing resistance, and driving sustained value realization.
High commercial acumen with a solid understanding of pharmaceutical commercial functions and the commercialization lifecycle.
Exceptional leadership and influence skills, with the ability to drive outcomes without direct authority.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to executive audiences.
Highly analytical and structured problem-solving approach, with strong risk management and decision-making capabilities.
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.

Nice To Haves

Project or program management certifications preferred (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma).
Change management certification strongly preferred or demonstrated, hands-on experience applying change management principles.
Prior experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or healthcare industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide commercial programs, including organizational restructures, commercialization readiness, and market expansion initiatives.
Define program scope, objectives, governance, resourcing, and success metrics in partnership with Commercial leadership and executive sponsors.
Develop and maintain integrated program plans, manage dependencies, track milestones, and proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Ensure consistent application of PMO standards, governance, reporting, and best practices across all initiatives.
Drive portfolio-level prioritization and execution to support differentiated commercial growth.
Design and embed comprehensive change management strategies (communications, training, readiness, and adoption) throughout the program lifecycle.
Partner with Commercial leadership and HR to manage the people impact of change and ensure successful adoption and value realization.
Facilitate senior-level governance and steering committee meetings, clearly communicating program status, risks, and decision needs.
Serve as a trusted advisor and central point of contact for Sales, Marketing, and Market Access leaders during periods of change.
Provide oversight and direction to consulting partners supporting program execution, change management, and financial tracking.
Partner with Commercial and Finance leaders to manage vendor contracts, budgets, and quarterly accrual processes.
Ensure financial discipline across programs, including budget adherence, forecasting accuracy, and post-implementation value tracking.
Coach and mentor program teams and functional leaders on program and change management best practices.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.
Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance