Portfolio Manager

Role Overview:

The Global Program Manager (GPM) serves as a key strategic partner to the Product Team Leader (PTL) and Development Lead, driving alignment, managing risks, and ensuring timely execution across the Product Team (PT) and Research and Development Team (RDT). The GPM is accountable for delivering program objectives and outcomes by facilitating collaboration, maintaining transparency, and enabling data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive strategic alignment across interdependent programs and portfolio-level initiatives.
• Partner closely with the PTL and Development Lead to implement and monitor program strategy.
• Lead goal setting, milestone tracking, and progress reporting to ensure visibility and accountability.
• Maintain data accuracy and timeline integrity within enterprise portfolio and scheduling systems.
• Manage and update program dashboards and online platforms with current and reliable information.
• Identify, escalate, and mitigate program risks with actionable contingency plans.
• Support governance engagements (Portfolio Committee, Development Review Committee) through effective preparation and alignment.
• Lead bi-annual operating plan activities, ensuring accurate cost forecasting and resource allocation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, operations, and department leads to manage budgets and optimize resources.
• Facilitate clear communication and decision-making across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report program health and key performance indicators, ensuring transparency with senior leadership.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare executive-level materials to communicate program strategy, progress, and recommendations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong project management background; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional programs in pharma/biotech settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in at least one domain: Research, Development, or Commercialization.
• In-depth understanding of the drug development lifecycle; Early Development experience preferred.
• Oncology or cell therapy program management experience highly desirable.
• Strong ability to influence without direct authority and build effective cross-functional partnerships.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker and problem-solver comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and effective in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with enterprise project portfolio management tools (e.g., Planisware) preferred.