Sr. Manager, Project/Program Management

Alcon Research•Lake Forest, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Sr. Manager, Project/Program Management, leads Alcon Global Services’ Service Launch Readiness (SLR) for all products requiring service. This role is the strategic owner of the SLR process, ensuring seamless service integration into product launches through stage gate governance and standardized SLR templates. This individual manages a team of Alcon Service Project Managers, ensuring consistent delivery of projects that are on track, on budget, and aligned with global launch milestones. This team will leverage standard work, AI, and automation tools to streamline execution and enhance visibility, while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment with Global Marketing, R&D, Regional Service, and Global Technical Services. This role is on-site in Lake Forest, CA and a typical day will include: Strategic Leadership & Governance Own and continuously improve the SLR process and SOPs. Act as the Service Workstream Lead for individual new product launches. Fulfill the role of R&D ATP Core Team Member, contributing to product design and launch deliverables that support Alcon’s innovation and financial goals. Drive alignment across service functions and ensure full regional handoff for global launches. Project & Portfolio Management Lead assignment and oversight of all service-related projects, ensuring timely and successful execution. Guide Alcon Service Project Managers in tracking milestones, risks, and deliverables using SLR project management templates. Champion the use of AI and digital tools to enhance project tracking, reporting, and execution. Team Leadership Manage and mentor Alcon Service Project Managers, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement. Set clear objectives and performance expectations aligned with SLR Core Team principles. Ensure the team delivers consistent, high-quality projects that meet budget and timeline expectations across all global markets. Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across global service, commercial, and R&D teams. Cross-Functional Collaboration Engage key stakeholders including Franchise Marketing, Tech Platform Leads, Regional Service Management, Global Technical Service Management, and R&D Program Leads. Lead alignment meetings, facilitate dashboard reviews, and manage escalation protocols to ensure service deliverables are prioritized and executed effectively. Serve as, or designate, the principal liaison between Global Technical Services, R&D, and regional service teams. Ensure service deliverables are integrated into product launch packages and communicated effectively. Facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making within ATP Core Teams. Demonstrate executive presence when presenting service launch plans, strategy, and status to senior Alcon leaders. Process Optimization & Innovation Apply engineering and service design principles to optimize workflows and service infrastructure. Leverage automation and AI to simplify project management tasks and improve efficiency. Monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights to drive service readiness excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +15 yrs; Assoc.+11 yrs; M.S.+4 yrs; PhD+3 yrs) e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering).
The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
7 Years of Relevant Experience.
5 Years of Demonstrated Leadership.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or equivalent) preferred, especially with a focus in Project Management, Service Design, or Technology Integration.
Formal training or certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, Agile, Lean Six Sigma) is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of ISO 13485, MDR, FDA & 21CFR:820, ISO 14001, HIPAA.
Experience with networked medical devices and service delivery processes.
Familiarity with APEx Core Team structures and stage gate methodologies.
Proficiency in project management tools and AI-driven platforms.
Strong knowledge of Alcon’s legacy and pipeline products, as well as ophthalmic procedures supported by Alcon technologies.
Deep understanding of Alcon’s service business functions, including product service engineering, technical training, support, documentation, field and depot repair, supply chain, ERP/SMS systems, and service quality processes.

Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve the SLR process and SOPs.
Act as the Service Workstream Lead for individual new product launches.
Fulfill the role of R&D ATP Core Team Member, contributing to product design and launch deliverables that support Alcon’s innovation and financial goals.
Drive alignment across service functions and ensure full regional handoff for global launches.
Lead assignment and oversight of all service-related projects, ensuring timely and successful execution.
Guide Alcon Service Project Managers in tracking milestones, risks, and deliverables using SLR project management templates.
Champion the use of AI and digital tools to enhance project tracking, reporting, and execution.
Manage and mentor Alcon Service Project Managers, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Set clear objectives and performance expectations aligned with SLR Core Team principles.
Ensure the team delivers consistent, high-quality projects that meet budget and timeline expectations across all global markets.
Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across global service, commercial, and R&D teams.
Engage key stakeholders including Franchise Marketing, Tech Platform Leads, Regional Service Management, Global Technical Service Management, and R&D Program Leads.
Lead alignment meetings, facilitate dashboard reviews, and manage escalation protocols to ensure service deliverables are prioritized and executed effectively.
Serve as, or designate, the principal liaison between Global Technical Services, R&D, and regional service teams.
Ensure service deliverables are integrated into product launch packages and communicated effectively.
Facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making within ATP Core Teams.
Demonstrate executive presence when presenting service launch plans, strategy, and status to senior Alcon leaders.
Apply engineering and service design principles to optimize workflows and service infrastructure.
Leverage automation and AI to simplify project management tasks and improve efficiency.
Monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights to drive service readiness excellence.