Associate Director, Program Management (Early Pipeline)

What You’ll Do:

The Associate Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, non-clinical, and technical operations, to drive the overall program and several ad-hoc projects forward. This individual will oversee the development and execution of project plans from initiation to completion, ensuring the plan is completed on time, in scope, and within budget. Additionally, they will work closely with teams to proactively identify potential risks and implement effective solutions. A successful candidate must have experience managing drug development projects in a fast-paced environment, with a strong willingness to build relationships with cross-functional teams, dive into details, and address gaps as needed to ensure program success.

The Associate Director, Program Management, will support Kailera’s mid-stage assets, which are in Phase 1 and Phase 2 development. These include KAI-4729 (tri-agonist injectable) and Safiglipron (oral GLP-1)

 

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week)

 

Responsibilities:

• Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. clinical, regulatory, nonclinical, and technical operations, etc.) to ensure alignment with company and program objectives
• Collaborate with Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs are aligned with the overall strategic development plan for the program
• Develop and own detailed integrated project plans, including goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements
• Identify and manage program risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency
• Own program reports / dashboards to executive and other governance teams
• Demonstrated high learning agility, curiosity and experience in highly competitive therapeutic areas is preferred

 

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry
• Strong understanding of drug development and how biotech functions integrate
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects, with early to mid-stage drug development experience preferred (prior to EOP2)
• Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
• Responds to changing priorities and uncertainty by maintaining composure, resilience, and an open mind while embracing change in an evolving environment
• Proven record of collaboration and excellent communication
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Excel, think-cell, OnePager)

 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred